Continental’s group sector ContiTech has appointed Rohit Markan as Executive Vice President for Industrial Solutions in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, reinforcing its leadership as the business prepares for greater operational independence. Markan assumed the role on November 17, 2025, and reports directly to Philip Nelles, Executive Board Member for ContiTech.

Based in Singapore, Markan will oversee ContiTech’s industrial operations across key APAC markets including India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. His responsibilities include optimising organisational structures and processes across product groups and customer industries, while supporting long-term growth in one of Continental’s most strategically important regions.

As a member of ContiTech’s newly established Executive Management Committee, Markan will also play a central role in shaping the future direction of the group sector, which is scheduled to become an independent entity in 2026. He succeeds Hannes Friederichsen, who has retired after a long tenure with the company.

The APAC business area covers ContiTech’s industrial portfolio in Asia and the Pacific, including rubber and plastic-based products such as hoses, conveyor belts, drive belts and air springs, serving a wide range of industrial applications. Markan brings more than 28 years of leadership experience across multiple industries, functions and geographies, with expertise spanning sales, marketing, finance, manufacturing, innovation, project leadership, profit and loss management, and board-level responsibilities. He has led several transformation initiatives and delivered sustained revenue and profitability growth during his career.

His previous roles include Managing Director at Roquette India Private Limited, Senior Vice President of Sales for Roquette Asia Pacific, Global Marketing Manager for Solar Solutions at Dow Chemicals, and most recently, Global Head of Sales for the pharmaceutical business at Roquette Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, where he also served as CEO for the region.

Commenting on the appointment, Philip Nelles said Markan brings a broad range of experience across regions, industries and leadership roles, making him well suited to further develop ContiTech’s industrial business in APAC. He added that Markan has consistently demonstrated the ability to drive change while motivating teams, and thanked Hannes Friederichsen for his many years of contribution to the company.

Markan said he was pleased to join ContiTech and looked forward to applying his experience in the Asia Pacific region to help unlock the company’s potential in one of Continental’s most important growth markets.