Continental Tyres has appointed Ian Jackson as general manager for technical services across the UK and Ireland. He succeeds Steve Howat, who will retire later this year after more than 15 years with the business. The transition comes as tyre manufacturers, fleets and service providers prepare for further regulatory, digital and technical change.
Jackson brings more than 40 years of technical and operational experience to the position. He joined Continental more than 15 years ago as a tyre inspector and spent nine years supporting customers and investigating tyre performance.
He later moved into Continental’s Digital and Fleet Solutions division. There, he led work involving data-led maintenance and tyre management systems for commercial fleets.
In his new role, Jackson will oversee customer support, technical training, warranty investigations, product quality, testing and field engineering. These functions connect product development with the practical issues faced by dealers, fleet operators and tyre technicians.
“I’m honoured to be able to continue the fantastic work Steve and our team have delivered over many years,” Jackson said.
He added that digitalisation and changing legislation would require close cooperation with customers and industry partners.
Jackson’s digital fleet background gives the appointment wider relevance beyond a conventional management succession. Tyre condition data is increasingly being used to guide maintenance schedules, investigate performance and reduce avoidable vehicle downtime.
Tyre News recently examined how Continental’s digital tyre safety guidance links pressure and temperature monitoring with fleet reliability and predictive maintenance.
The manufacturer has also continued to integrate connected systems into its commercial tyre range. Its Conti Urban HA 5 NXT bus tyre, for example, can be supplied with sensors supporting pressure, temperature and mileage monitoring.
For tyre dealers and service providers, this shift increases the need for training that combines traditional inspection skills with software, sensor data and fault analysis.
Howat leaves the full-time role with a strong reputation across the UK and Irish tyre sectors. During his Continental career, he has supported customers through changes involving tyre legislation, safety, maintenance and emerging technology.
He has also served as a long-standing member of the British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association Technical Committee. His wider industry involvement has included work with the Institute of the Motor Industry and the National Tyre Distributors Association.
That work covered subjects including EU tyre labelling, electrification, technical training and tyre safety. He also contributed to rolling-resistance and fuel-efficiency trials intended to help fleets understand the cost impact of tyre selection and maintenance.
Howat will continue to support Continental on selected projects during the transition period.
Tracey Mortimer, managing director of Continental Tyre Group UK and Ireland, thanked Howat for his contribution to both the company and the wider industry.
“His expertise and dedication to supporting customers have left a lasting legacy,” she said.
Mortimer said Jackson’s understanding of Continental’s products, customers and operations would help strengthen its technical services and training capabilities.
The appointment provides continuity in a department that must translate regulatory and product changes into practical guidance. That responsibility will become increasingly important as connected tyres, electric vehicles and data-led fleet maintenance develop further.
Tagged with: Ian Jackson, Steve Howat, Continental Tyres, technical services, tyre training, tyre standards, digital tyre management, fleet tyre maintenance, connected tyres, tyre legislation, tyre safety
Disclaimer: This content may include forward-looking statements. Views expressed are not verified or endorsed by Tyre News Media.
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