After more than a decade at the helm, Stefan Hay will step down as Chief Executive of the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) in July 2025. His departure marks the end of a transformative 11-year tenure in which he helped modernise the Association and strengthen its position as a respected and proactive voice for the UK tyre trade.
Appointed in January 2014, Hay has overseen a period of sustained development at the NTDA, both in financial resilience and industry influence. The Association now holds its strongest fiscal position in decades and is widely recognised for its leadership on key industry issues such as safety regulation, technician training, and policy engagement.
Stefan will take up the role of CEO at the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA) from August 2025. Recruitment for his successor is currently underway, with the NTDA Board seeking a candidate to build on the current platform and lead the organisation into a new chapter.
One of Hay’s most significant achievements is the expansion of the NTDA’s professional licensing programmes. Since 2013, more than 16,000 licences have been issued through the REACT roadside technician scheme and the Tyre Technician Professional Development Scheme (TTPDS). Many licence holders have progressed through multiple refreshers, underlining a growing culture of continuous professional development within the sector.
These schemes have played a pivotal role in positioning tyre fitting and roadside response as essential, safety-critical disciplines. Recognition from law enforcement and highway authorities has further elevated the profession.
The NTDA has strengthened its position as an effective policy advocate during Hay’s leadership, working in partnership with key government departments and agencies. Notable lobbying successes include:
▪ Introduction of a ban on 10-year-old tyres for trucks and buses across Great Britain and Northern Ireland
▪ Approval for red rear-facing flashing lamps on tyre response vehicles, improving roadside technician safety
▪ Opposition to extended MOT intervals, helping preserve annual safety checks
These wins reflect a deliberate strategy of building long-term relationships with stakeholders such as the Department for Transport, DVSA, and National Highways.
Under Hay’s guidance, the NTDA has also enhanced its role as a convening body for the tyre trade. Its flagship annual events, including the Tyre Industry Conference and the Tyre Industry Awards Ceremony, both now key dates in the automotive aftermarket calendar, attracting hundreds of delegates and policy influencers from across the UK.
Martin O’Brien, NTDA National Chairman, paid tribute to Hay’s legacy, noting: “Stefan has built a legacy of stability, credibility and influence. Our members face major challenges, from sustainability and skills shortages to regulation and digital transformation. The NTDA is well placed to lead that conversation.”
Tagged with: NTDA, Stefan Hay, tyre technician training, REACT scheme, MOT regulations, UK tyre industry, trade associations, professional licensing, roadside safety, automotive policy, tyre industry leadership
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