Apollo Tyres appoints chief digital officer 

London – Indian tire maker Apollo Tyres has appointed Hizmy Hassen to the newly created position of chief digital officer, as part of its so-called “digital journey”. 

To be based out of the company’s London office, Hassen will be responsible for leading the strategy and operations of Apollo Tyres’ digital activities, including responsibility for information technology. 

“With digitalisation being a key focus area for the company, especially considering the challenges that we face today due to the global pandemic, we have created this position of chief digital officer,” said Apollo vice chairman and managing director Neeraj Kanwar in a statement 5 Oct. 

With over 30 years of experience in this area, Hassen can develop and execute the future roadmap and evolve the IT delivery model at Apollo Tyres, Kanwar added. 

Prior to joining Apollo, Hassen worked with thread manufacturer Coats PLC, where he helped ‘transform’ the UK group's global technology function and implement a cloud strategy.

“He has pioneered digital solutions achieving very high adoption levels, leading to a total transformation of the Coats’ go-to-market strategy,” said the Apollo statement. 

Additionally, it said, Hassen drove the set-up of ‘Factory 4.0’, created an integrated global supply chain with SAP (ERP system) and helped establish advanced supply chain management systems at Coats. 

His contribution helped in reduction of net working capital, significant reduction of the supply chain cost base, and improved customer service levels, Apollo said.

“I am excited to be a part of this dynamic and growing organisation,” said Hassen, “My focus would be to challenge and improve upon the existing processes and systems in the company to deliver the best business results.” 

Hassen holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from the University of Leeds, UK.