Continental has appointed of Nino Romano as the new chief technology officer (CTO) of its Automotive Group sector.

Continental has unveiled plans to list its automotive unit on the Frankfurt stock exchange by the end of 2025.

This move is also to make its original equipment solutions (OESL) division, which supplies rubber products to automotive manufacturers, an independent entity.

Nino Romano, who previously served as head of quality and operations, takes over from Gilles Mabire, who left the company in November.

Romano has been with the German automotive supplier since 1993, holding various roles in research, development, and quality management.

His experience includes leading development for electronic brake systems in the Vehicle Dynamics business area and serving on the Automotive Management Board since 2020.

Under Romano’s leadership, the new CTO organisation will consolidate technology and operations. The quality division will now function independently within the Automotive group sector.

Continental executive board member and Automotive group sector head Philipp von Hirschheydt said: “With his extensive experience and expertise, Nino Romano is the ideal person to merge the key areas of technology and operations as CTO.

“This will not only create additional added value for our customers and investors as we prepare for independence, but will also enable us to drive innovation even more efficiently and effectively.”

Last month, Continental announced the closure of four plants and the downsizing of two others within its ContiTech division.

The move comes because of drop in demand in key customer industries such as automotive and lignite mining.

The decision is expected to affect approximately 580 employees.

The closures will occur at the sites in Bad Blankenburg, Stolzenau, Moers, and the dual location in Frohburg and Geithain.