Maruf Rahman, Executive Director of Rupsha Tyres & Chemicals Ltd., the country’s leading tire and tube manufacturer. As the youngest son of founder Shafiqur Rahman and younger brother of Md. Miraj Rahman, Maruf has uniquely blended traditional business values with cutting-edge digital strategies to propel the family enterprise into new frontiers of success.
Early Life and Foundation
Born in 1984, Maruf spent his early childhood in Dhaka’s Tikatuli. In 1986, his family relocated to Banani. His educational journey began at Banani Bidyaniketan School and continued at Dhaka Commerce College, where his natural leadership abilities first emerged. From organizing sports tournaments as early as seventh grade to coordinating major cultural events like Banani Bidyaniketan’s alumni reunion concert in 1999, Maruf demonstrated exceptional organizational skills. His passion for event management reached new heights in 2003 when, fresh out of HSC, he successfully orchestrated a concert featuring Bangladesh’s top bands as Finance and Marketing Director for Swapno Club.
International Education and Practical Experience
In 2004, Maruf embarked on an educational journey to Sydney, Australia, where he pursued advanced studies in Marketing. His time abroad included valuable hands-on experience at Big W, one of Australia’s premier retail chains. This practical exposure to Western retail environments and customer service standards complemented his academic learning, giving him unique insights into consumer behavior and modern marketing techniques that would later prove invaluable in his professional career.
Transformational Leadership at Rupsha Tyres
Returning to Bangladesh in 2009, Maruf joined the family business with fresh perspectives and ambitious ideas. His initial focus on marketing and information technology marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation for Rupsha Tyres. One of his first major initiatives was an unprecedented nationwide tour, personally visiting all 64 districts of Bangladesh within a year to strengthen the brand’s presence across both urban and rural markets.
Pioneering Digital Transformation
Maruf’s visionary approach to digital innovation has redefined Rupsha Tyres’ operations and market positioning. His comprehensive digital strategy began with developing customized software solutions to streamline core business processes, creating a robust technological foundation. Under his leadership, the company achieved complete digitization across all departments including purchasing, production, sales, accounting, and marketing.
The creation of Rupsha Tyres’ official website, personally developed by Maruf, established a new standard for corporate digital presence in the industry. His strategic pivot to social media marketing during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated remarkable foresight, growing the company’s Facebook following to over 400,000 – making it the second most-followed tire company page in Bangladesh.
The crowning achievement of Maruf’s digital revolution came with the development and launch of Rupsha Tyres’ Android application, marking the company as Asia’s first tire manufacturer with a dedicated mobile platform. This innovative solution offers customers seamless product browsing, order tracking, and direct communication channels, revolutionizing customer engagement in the industry.
Community Engagement and Sports Sponsorship
Beyond business innovation, Maruf maintains a strong commitment to community development through sports. Believing firmly in the power of athletics to shape youth character, he has consistently sponsored local football, cricket, and other sporting events. This initiative reflects his philosophy that corporate success should translate into meaningful social impact.
Continuing a Legacy of Excellence
As Executive Director, Maruf has masterfully balanced respect for his father Shafiqur Rahman’s legacy with bold technological innovation. Working alongside his brother Md. Miraj Rahman, he has positioned Rupsha Tyres as both an industry leader and a benchmark for digital transformation in Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector. His unique ability to merge traditional business values with modern technological solutions continues to drive the company forward in an increasingly competitive global market.