Rohit Markan named executive vice president for APAC at ContiTech

MUMBAI: Continental has tapped veteran executive Rohit Markan as its new executive vice president for Industrial Solutions in Asia Pacific, marking a pivotal leadership shift as the company prepares to spin off its ContiTech group sector in 2026.

Markan assumed charge on 17 November 2025 and will report directly to Philip Nelles, head of Continental group sector ContiTech. Operating out of Singapore, he will oversee the company’s sprawling industrial operations across India, China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia.

With nearly three decades of experience across sales, marketing, finance, manufacturing and transformation leadership, Markan arrives with a résumé that stretches across global majors including Roquette and Dow Chemicals. He most recently served as CEO of Roquette Asia Pacific, following earlier stints heading sales for the region and managing global portfolios.

A key part of his new mandate will involve sharpening organisational structures across ContiTech’s diverse product groups, from hoses and conveyor belts to air springs and drive belts, while also helping chart the future of the group sector as a member of its newly formed executive management committee.

Nelles called Markan “the right person to further develop our industrial activities in this vital region,” praising his ability to lead change while energising teams. He also extended his thanks to Hannes Friederichsen, whom Markan succeeds upon his retirement.

Markan, for his part, said he was excited to join a company “with such a long tradition and so much potential,” adding that he hoped to help unlock opportunities in one of Continental’s most dynamic growth markets.

Founded in 1871, Continental today stands as a global tyre and industrial solutions leader, posting €39.7 billion in sales in 2024. ContiTech, its industrial arm, employs nearly 42,000 people worldwide and generated €6.4 billion in sales last year.