The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (www.tracanada.ca) announced new officers and the board of directors at its Annual Meeting on June 12.

Maureen Kline of Pirelli – the outgoing Chair – announced the board elected Paul Christou, Controller at Goodyear Canada Inc., to succeed her as Chair for 2018-2019. The board also appointed Tony Mougios of Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. as 1st Vice-Chair, Andy Robinson of Bridgestone Canada Inc. as 2nd Vice-Chair, and Matt Livigni of Continental Tire Canada Inc. as Treasurer.

“The tire and rubber industries in Canada face many challenges and opportunities, in these interesting times,” said Ms. Kline. “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, representing Camso remain on the board.

TRAC offers sincere appreciation and thanks for their service and leadership to three directors leaving the Board at the conclusion of their term: Greg Findlay of Cabot, Donald Morrissette of PPD Group and Emmie Leung of Emterra Group. “We saw quite a few changes to our Board this year, and I personally want to thank the past board members for their contributions as well as their support going forward.

I also remind our member corporations that we are always accepting board member nominations as we strive to strengthen the Association and its position on the global stage, said incoming Chair Paul Christou. “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, and I look forward to my role as Chair for 2018-2019,” said Christou.

You can review the entire 2018-2019 roster of board members at http://www.tracanada.ca/about_us/boardofdirectors.html