Dubai - Mubasher: German auto parts and tyremaker Continental on Sunday announced that it has appointed Karel Kucera as the company’s new managing director (MD) for the Middle East and Africa operations, effective from 1 March.

Kucera replaced Jose-Luis De La Fuente, who will take on the role of MD at Continental Mexico, the Hanover-based group said in a statement.

“Karel has an exceptional track record with the company, with an in-depth knowledge of the business. His experience is second to none,” Jon Ander Garcia, Continental regional manager Africa and Middle East, commented.

The new MD, who will be based in the company’s regional office in Dubai, is required to manage more than 19 markets across the region, the statement added.

“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 and promote what the company has to offer from premium tyres and mobility solutions,” Kucera said.

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 new facility will connect plants in Europe, North America, and South America with the brand’s distribution partners in the Middle East.

“The region has proven to be a key market for Continental since the establishment of the brand’s regional representation office in 2009. There is a great deal of potential in the Middle East and many opportunities for Karel to capitalise on and add to his previous achievements,” Garcia added.