- Bill Caldwell Retires After 20+ Years of Leadership at Continental Tire the Americas
- Chris Charity to Lead Continental’s U.S. PLT Replacement Business as of July 1, 2025
Fort Mill, S.C., June 5, 2025 – Continental Tire the Americas, LLC announces a key leadership transition as Bill Caldwell, senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the U.S. PLT replacement business, prepares to retire in June 2025 after more than two decades with the company. Chris Charity, currently Vice President of Sales for the U.S. PLT replacement business, will succeed Caldwell in this role.
Caldwell has led the U.S. PLT Replacement Market since 2009, following his leadership of Continental’s OE Key Account Management team in Auburn Hills. Under his guidance, the company has seen significant growth in both the Continental and General Tire brands in the United States, and he has played a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the business.
Charity brings over two decades of experience at Continental, having joined the company in April 2002 as a quality engineer. He later transitioned into sales leadership where his deep understanding of the market, combined with his strong relationships across the industry, has made him a key driver of sales performance and dealer success.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years,” Caldwell said. “It’s been an honor to work with such a dedicated team, and I’m confident that Chris will continue to lead with the same passion and commitment that has defined our success.”
Charity added, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into this role and build on the strong foundation Bill has laid. I look forward to working with our teams and partners to continue delivering value and innovation to our customers.”
Reflecting on the transition, Tansu Işık, Head of Continental’s Business Area Replacement Tires the Americas, said, “Bill has made a lasting contribution to Continental’s success in the Americas. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to excellence have helped shape the business and culture. On behalf of the entire organization, I want to thank Bill for his outstanding service and wish him a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement.”
Işık also welcomed Charity into the role, expressing his confidence in the transition, “Chris brings the right mix of experience, vision, and dedication to lead our U.S. PLT Replacement business into the future. I’m confident he will continue to build on our strong foundation and drive further success.”
ABOUT CONTINENTAL TIRE THE AMERICAS, LLC.
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2024, the global Tires group sector generated sales of 13.9 billion euros. Continental's tire division employs more than 57,000 people worldwide and has 20 production and 16 development sites.
Based in Fort Mill, S.C., Continental Tire the Americas, LLC manufactures and distributes a complete premium line of passenger, light truck and commercial tires for original equipment and replacement markets. Continental’s premium products are available at leading independent tire dealers, car dealers, online tire dealers and mass retail companies across North America. Continental Tire is a proud supporter of Alive at 25 (National Safety Council), BMW Car Club of America (BMWCCA), BMW Performance Driving Centers, Major League Soccer (MLS), ROUSH Performance, Saleen Automotive, Toyota’s GR Cup, Universal Technical Institute, and the USF Pro Championships.
Press contact
Allison Zora
Head of Brand and PR
Continental Tire Replacement, the Americas
839-214-3295
Allison.Zora@continental.com
Amanda Stack
Manager, Marketing & Communications PLT
Continental Tire the Americas, LLC
803.207.3448