Continental has named Christian Kötz as CEO effective January 2026 as the group advances its transformation into a pure-play tyre company.
Christian Kötz to Succeed Nikolai Setzer
Continental AG (Continental) has named Christian Kötz as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2026, as the German automotive supplier advances its transformation into a pure-play tyre company.
Kötz, 55, will replace Nikolai Setzer, who will step down from the executive board on December 31, 2025, after more than 16 years as a board member, including five years as CEO.
“Nikolai Setzer has been instrumental in shaping Continental, realigning the organisation and paving the way for three strong, independent companies. With this handover, we are consolidating responsibility for the tyre business, the realignment and the remaining tasks of the group functions in one role,” said Supervisory Board Chairman Wolfgang Reitzle.
Reitzle added that Kötz is the right choice to lead the company onwards. “Christian Kötz is one of the most distinguished managers in the global tyre industry. With his extensive experience and passion for Continental, we firmly believe he is the right choice to lead the company successfully into the future,” he said.
The company said the transition follows progress in its strategic realignment. Continental has already spun off Aumovio and signed an agreement to sell the Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) business. Preparations for the sale of ContiTech, scheduled for 2026, have also been largely completed, with the market outreach phase finished and a structured sales process set to begin in January 2026.
Perfect Timing for Continental
Setzer said the timing of the transition was right following the restructuring of the group’s portfolio.
“After 28 years at Continental, now is the right time for me to hand over responsibility to Christian Kötz. I’m extremely grateful for the journey we’ve all shared and proud of what we’ve all achieved together. I firmly believe that the tyre business, ContiTech, Aumovio, and OESL have a promising future ahead,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kötz stated his readiness to serve his new role as the company completes the realignment.
“I would like to thank the Supervisory Board for its trust and am excited about this new responsibility. Continental has been my professional home for three decades. Together with the Executive Board team and all colleagues throughout the company, we will complete the realignment and continue the success story of our tyre business,” said Kötz.
Kötz joined Continental‘s tyre division in 1996 and has served as a member of the Executive Board since 2019. He has previously led several core areas of the company’s tyre business, including passenger-car replacement tyres in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia (EMEA), original equipment and commercial vehicle tyres, and global research and development.
Alongside Kötz, the new executive board also includes ContiTech head Philip Nelles, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Roland Welzbacher, and Ulrike Hintze, who joined as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Director of Labour Relations earlier this year. The board will oversee the completion of Continental‘s realignment following the planned sale of ContiTech.
