Nokian names head of Russian operation as interim CEO

Nokia, Finland – Nokian’s board of directors has appointed the head of its Russian operations Andrei Pantioukhov as the interim president and CEO.

Pantioukhov, who will also continue to serve in his role as the general manager of the Russian operation, is replacing Ari Lehtoranta who will step down as of 2017.

He joined Nokian in 2004 and has served as executive vice president since the beginning of 2016.

Also speaking to ERJ, a Nokian spokesman said the company's board of directors will study plans for the construction of a third tire production plant.

"The operative management has presented the plans to the board and the matter is under further investigation. There is nothing new to report on the matter at this point," said Antti-Jussi Tahtinen.

According to Tahtinen, the location of the plant has not been decided yet.

Earlier this year, Lehtoranta confirmed that two locations, east Europe or North America, were being studied for the plant.

“We are now also considering the option of maybe getting into a partnership,” he told ERJ on the sidelines of the Reifen tire show on 24 May.

According to the then CEO, the new plant will have a capacity of 5 million passenger car tires a year.