Newly promoted Karel Kucera will oversee more than 19 markets across the region
Continental Tyres of Germany has announced the appointment of Karel Kucera to lead the company’s Middle East and Africa operations as the new Managing Director. A Continental veteran of almost 20 years, Kucera took on the new role on 1 March 2019 and will be based in the company’s regional office in Dubai, overseeing more than 19 markets across the region.
The announcement coincides with the recent opening of the company’s first ever office in Saudi Arabia to support the growing demand for Continental’s products and services in the Kingdom.
In his new role, Kucera will also lead the recently unveiled expansion plans for Continental that include the first-of-its-kind warehouse in the region, located in Jebel Ali, Dubai. The facility will act as a hub, connecting plants in Europe, North America and South America with the brand’s distribution partners in the Middle East.
“There is a great potential for Continental in the Middle East since the establishment of the brand’s regional office in 2009 and many opportunities for Karel to capitalise on and add to his previous achievements,” said Jon Ander Garcia, Continental Regional Manager Africa & Middle East.
Prior to his new Middle East role, Kucera, a citizen of the Czech Republic, served as the Regional Managing Director of ContiTrade Central & East, Northwest Europe, located in the company’s headquarters in the Czech Republic.
“We have a strong team and highly-qualified local partners in place with whom I look forward to working closely to further grow the Continental business in the region,” commented Kucera.
The newly appointed Managing Director of Continental Middle East has replaced Jose-Luis De La Fuente, who will take on the role of Managing Director, Continental Mexico.
