MAM
Ron Johnson is Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products executive VP
MUMBAI: Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has appointed that Ron Johnson as Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) executive VP.
From 1 April, Johnson will lead all of Viacom’s international consumer products operations. He will be based in New York and will report to VIMN COO Pierluigi Gazzolo.
Gazzolo said, “We’re thrilled to have Ron take on this leadership role in overseeing VIMN’s consumer products business. He possesses first-hand knowledge of our global CP operation, as well as extensive experience across global retail partnerships, holistic franchise management and product innovation.
“Ron’s expertise in global retail will prove invaluable in his new position, as we deepen and form new partnerships with retailers and licensees around the world and build on the strong momentum that we are seeing in our CP business.”
Mark Kingston has been promoted to NVCP Europe, the Middle East and Africa GM, senior VP and will oversee VIMN’s consumer products operations in these markets. Kingston will report to Johnson and VIMN MD, executive VP UK, Australia and Eastern Europe and International Content Distribution Dave Lynn.
Gazzolo added, “We’re also excited about the newly expanded position that Mark will be taking on, as it further reinforces the strength of our regionally led consumer products organisation.
“Mark has already been spearheading our pan-European retail efforts and CP operations in the UK, Russia, and Australia to great success. By extending his purview to include all pan-European CP deal-making, which also includes Middle East, North Africa and Australia, we are streamlining efficiencies to better position us to meet the demands of critical, high growth markets and create more compelling and valuable opportunities for partners.”
MAM
Continental Tires appoints Nevin Aslan-Özkan as Managing Director for India
Finance leader to drive growth in passenger vehicle segment from 6 April 2026.
MUMBAI: Continental Tires has put a fresh pair of tyres on its Indian leadership and this time, they’re rolling with strong financial horsepower. The premium tyre manufacturer has announced the appointment of Nevin Aslan-Özkan as managing director of Continental Tires India, effective 6 April 2026. She succeeds Samir Gupta, who stepped down on 5 April 2026 for personal reasons.
Nevin joined Continental in 2017 and has held key leadership roles in Mergers & Acquisitions and Strategy & Business Development across EMEA and APAC. Since May 2025, she has served as Chief Financial Officer for Continental Tires India, shaping the company’s financial strategy and performance.
In her new role, she will lead the company’s growth agenda in India, with a sharp focus on accelerating its presence in the passenger vehicle segment. This appointment comes at a pivotal time, following the recent launch of the CrossContact A/T² tyre, the first market globally to receive this product and a €10.5 million (approximately Rs 100 crore) investment to strengthen Continental’s position, particularly in the ultra-high-performance (UUHP) segment.
Nevin Aslan-Özkan said, “India continues to be a strong focus market for Continental Tires. Guided by our ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach, we will continue to deliver products and technologies designed for Indian roads.”
Samir Gupta, who joined Continental in 2012 and served as managing director since January 2022, was recognised for his significant contribution to expanding the brand’s footprint in India.
Continental is a leading global tyre manufacturer founded in 1871. The company generated sales of €19.7 billion in 2025 and employs around 78,000 people across 54 countries. Its Tires group sector, which includes premium car, truck, bus, two-wheel and specialty tyres, recorded sales of €13.8 billion in fiscal 2025 and employs more than 56,000 people worldwide.
With Nevin Aslan-Özkan at the wheel, Continental Tires India is clearly gearing up for a smoother and more aggressive drive in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets. The road ahead looks promising.
