Paul Christou, controller at Goodyear Canada Inc., is taking over as chairman of the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) board of directors for 2018-2019.
Tony Mougios of Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. will serve as first vice-chair, Andy Robinson of Bridgestone Canada Inc. will be second vice-chair, and Matt Livigni of Continental Tire Canada Inc. will serve as treasurer.
“The tire and rubber industries in Canada face many challenges and opportunities, in these interesting times,” says Maureen Kline, of Pirelli, outgoing chair of the board. “Mr. Christou brings many years of experience in the tire industry and I look forward to continuing to work with him as he brings his clear vision to the guidance of TRAC over the coming year.”
Also joining the board for the first year of a two-year term are Imtiaz Kathwalla representing Cabot Canada Ltd. as well as Dr. Barry Takallou from CRM. In addition, Chris Bitsakakis of AirBoss and Pierre-Paul Riopel from Camso remain on the board.
Three board members concluded their terms: Greg Findlay of Cabot, Donald Morrissette of PPD Group and Emmie Leung of Emterra Group.
In a statement, Christou says:
“Our industry is currently undergoing tremendous changes in Canada, North America and globally, and the tire and rubber companies need to keep the lines of communication open in order to understand the full impact to the industry and market shifts, and in turn remain competitive. This is where industry associations come in. TRAC has a strong new executive team for the coming year, and it gives me the confidence that we will continue to deliver on the Association’s long-term strategic plan.
“It’s never been more critical for TRAC to demonstrate the industry’s commitment to develop competitive products, grow the technology and manufacturing capability of North America, and build a globally competitive industry. We will continue to further engage our existing members, and attract new members who recognize the value and importance of a strong, healthy organization such as TRAC, an organization which has been around for nearly a century.
I encourage all members and the industry to join the conversation on how to collectively best address the issues and challenges we face as an industry today."
For more information on TRAC, go to www.tracanada.ca.
