Continental’s ContiTech group has appointed Rohit Markan as Executive Vice President of Industrial Solutions for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. He assumed the role on November 17, 2025, and will report directly to Philip Nelles, Executive Board member of ContiTech.
Based in Singapore, Mr Markan will oversee industrial operations across APAC, covering markets including India, China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. His responsibilities will include optimizing organizational structures and processes across product lines and customer segments. As a member of ContiTech’s newly formed Executive Management Committee, he will also play a pivotal role in guiding the group sector as it transitions to independence in 2026.
Mr Markan succeeds Hannes Friederichsen, who retired after many years with the company. The APAC region encompasses ContiTech’s industrial portfolio, which includes rubber and plastic products such as hoses, conveyor belts, drive belts, and air springs serving diverse industrial applications.
Rohit Markan brings over 28 years of experience across multiple industries and functions, with expertise in sales, marketing, finance, manufacturing, project management, innovation, P&L oversight, and board leadership. He has led numerous transformation initiatives and delivered consistent revenue and profitability growth throughout his career.
Mr Markan’s previous roles include Managing Director of 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 Roquette’s pharma business in Asia Pacific. Philip Nelles noted, “Rohit Markan brings extensive experience across regions, industries, and functions, making him the ideal leader to advance our industrial business in this crucial growth region. He has consistently driven change while inspiring his teams, and we are excited to have him on board as ContiTech moves toward independence. We also extend our gratitude to Hannes Friederichsen for his many years of valuable service.”
Rohit Markan commented, “I am excited to join ContiTech, a company with a rich heritage and immense potential. I look forward to applying my experience in the Asia Pacific region to unlock opportunities and contribute to the growth of one of Continental’s most important industrial markets.”
Continental, founded in 1871, is a leading global tire manufacturer and industry solutions provider, generating €39.7 billion in sales in 2024 with a workforce of around 95,000 across 54 countries. ContiTech, a key sector within Continental, specializes in industrial solutions across agriculture, transportation, energy, industrial environments, and consumer industries. Employing nearly 42,000 people in over 40 countries, ContiTech recorded sales of approximately €6.4 billion in 2024, offering connected, sustainable, and versatile industrial solutions worldwide.
