HANOVER, Germany — Continental A.G. has promoted Edwin Goudswaard, a 17-year company veteran, to head of research and development for tires, succeeding Boris Mergell, who was named head of user experience at Continental Automotive.
The changes took effect Sept. 1.
"Edwin Goudswaard has acquired an incredible depth and breadth of experience in a range of different positions worldwide," Christian Kotz, head of the tire group sector and member of the executive board at Continental, said.
"This will stand him in good stead as the new head of our R&D department. On behalf of the entire management team, I wish him all the best and every success in his new role."
Kotz thanked Mergell for "for his many years of dedication" to Continental's tire business, saying he oversaw the implementation of "numerous development projects with enormous success, frequently breaking new technological ground in the process."
Goudswaard started at Continental in 2006, holding various roles in virtual and product development for OE tires. Between 2013 and 2021, Goudswaard held management roles in R&D and in various factories for two-wheeler and passenger tires in Europe and Asia. In 2021 he was appointed head of the two-wheel tire business area; he most recently was responsible for Conti's global R&D efforts in the passenger tire replacement business.
Goodswaard's promotion comes at a time when Continental is investing "systematically" in new technology, alternative materials and environmentally friendly production methods. The Hanover-based company is working toward shifting its tire production to 100% sustainable materials by 2050.
