Nikolai Setzer has been appointed at the new Executive Board Chairman at Continental. He will take over the position from Dr Elmar Degenhart from 1 December.
Nikolai began his career at the tyre and technology manufacturer in 1997 after completing his studies in engineering management. Over the last 23 years he has held positions in development and sales and became head of the passenger car tire business in 2009, becoming a member of the Executive Board of Continental later that same year.
Chairman of Continental’s Supervisory Board Wolfgang Reitzle notes Nikolai’s longstanding bond with Continental and its values as well as his extensive international experience as key factors in his appointment.
“Continental is in the process of transforming into a technology and software company that, together with vehicle manufacturers, is laying the foundation for the sustainable mobility of the future,” he says. “Nikolai has our utmost trust and confidence. The Supervisory Board is certain that he will push forward with and successfully shape this transformation.”
Elmer Degenhart, who is stepping down for health reasons, welcomes the decision. “I hold Nikolai in highest esteem, which evolved during our close and trusting cooperation as a result of his excellent service in a variety of functions and areas of the company.
“By virtue of his strategic foresight and ability to implement ideas, he has gained recognition both in and outside the company. I wish him all the best and great success for the future.”
Adds Nikolai: “My most urgent task, together with executives and employees worldwide, is to pursue our ongoing growth course as a technology company without interruption and to lead Continental into a new era of mobility, backed by profitable growth.”
As of April 2019 Nikolai is spokesman of the Automotive Board of Continental’s Automotive Group and will continue in this position.
