AKRON, Ohio — Continental Tire North America Inc. announced that Matthias Schonberg, currently managing director of Continental Tire of Mexico, will join Dr. Alan Hippe, currently president and CEO of CTNA, on the leadership team.

Schonberg will assume the role of CEO on Oct. 1, 2006. He will lead and coordinate Supply Chain, Sales and Marketing and Production initiatives for CTNA.

In addition, Andreas Gerstenberger, current vice-president of Sales and Marketing, will serve as executive vice-president of sales and marketing at CTNA, also effective Oct. 1, 2006.

“Matthias Schonberg has been a key part of our North American management team for the last several years and has a proven track record of success, and Andreas Gerstenberger has been instrumental in the growth of our replacement business in North America. Ultimately, this is about putting together a winning team that will make our strategic plan a reality. I believe the unique skills both these men bring to the table will provide us with the tools we need to achieve this goal,” said Hippe in a statement.