Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

With more than 40 years in the rubber industry—including tires, sports, and health—I’ve built my career working across technical, manufacturing, quality, R&D, and techno-commercial roles. I’ve spent much of that time deepening my expertise in rubber compounding, process improvement, product development, and quality systems, always with a strong focus on sustainability and operational excellence. Along the way, I’ve led cross-functional teams, helped launch new products, and driven initiatives like TPM, TQM, Lean Manufacturing, and cost optimization. What motivates me most is turning advances in material science into high-quality products that deliver real value, boost productivity, and keep customers satisfied.

Q2. What fundamental shifts do you believe will redefine competitive advantage in the global tire and elastomer industry over the next decade?

The industry is moving beyond competing solely on cost. In the years ahead, true leaders will set themselves apart in five key ways:

• Using sustainable materials and embracing the circular economy
• Leveraging digital manufacturing with AI and data analytics
• Accelerating the pace of innovation
• Building stronger, more resilient supply chains
• Working closely with OEMs throughout product development

Ultimately, the companies that successfully bring together material science, digital technologies, and sustainability into a single, unified strategy will emerge as the market leaders.

Q3. As OEMs increasingly prioritize sustainability and lifecycle performance, how do you see supplier expectations changing for tire and rubber manufacturers?

OEMs aren’t just looking for products anymore—they want partners who can deliver sustainable solutions.

As a result, suppliers will be judged more and more on…

• Carbon footprint
• Recycled and bio-based material content
• Traceability of raw materials
• Product lifecycle performance
• Manufacturing consistency
• ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) compliance
• Ability to innovate jointly with OEMs

Long-term partnerships will depend as much on sustainability and innovation as on cost and quality…

Q4. How are digital technologies and AI influencing manufacturing and technology decisions beyond automation and process optimization?

AI is transforming decision-making, not just automating processes.

• Developing new compounds with the help of AI
• Using digital twins to simulate and improve processes
• Predictive maintenance
• Real-time quality prediction
• Energy optimization
• Supply-chain forecasting
• Vision-based defect detection

The real advantage is being able to make quicker, more confident decisions because you’re working with the latest data…

Q5. Which emerging material innovations do you believe have the potential to disrupt the tire and industrial rubber industry over the next five to ten years?

I believe the most impactful innovations will be

• Bio-based elastomers
• Recycled rubber technologies
• Devulcanized rubber
• Sustainable reinforcing fillers
• Functionalized polymers
• High-performance silica systems
• Self-healing elastomers
• Smart materials with embedded sensing capability

The way forward is finding that sweet spot—delivering top performance while also reducing our impact on the environment…

Q6. How is the rise of electric mobility reshaping innovation priorities for tire, elastomer, and specialty material manufacturers beyond product performance?

Electric vehicles create entirely new requirements…

• Lower rolling resistance
• Higher wear resistance due to increased vehicle torque
• Lowered noise and vibration
• Improved thermal management
• Lightweight materials
• Better durability
• Sustainable manufacturing
• Digital quality monitoring

Success will come from optimizing the entire product lifecycle, not just improving mechanical properties…

Q7. If you were an investor looking at companies within the space, what critical question would you pose to their senior management?

With sustainability, AI, electrification, and the circular economy rapidly changing the industry, how will your company stay ahead—both technologically and financially—over the next ten years?

• Innovation roadmap
• R&D investment
• Sustainability targets
• Digital transformation strategy
• Talent development
• Partnerships
• Competitive differentiation