Former Michelin Head Dies At 88 - aftermarketNews

Former Michelin Head Dies At 88

François Michelin, the grandson of Michelin & Cie’s founder and the head of his family’s tire company for 47 years, has passed away. He was 88.

From Tire Review

Michelin director passes away at 88.
Former director of French tyre company Michelin, Francois Michelin, posing in Paris on Sep 29, 2000. He passed away at 88. Photo credit: AFP/Georges Gobet

François Michelin, the grandson of Michelin & Cie’s founder and the head of his family’s tire company for 47 years, has passed away. He was 88.

Groupe Michelin announced his death on Wednesday, saying that François “dedicated his life to the company.” “A visionary and a humanitarian, Mr. François Michelin tirelessly embodied the values of respect that are the very foundation of our group’s identity,” the company stated.

François was born on June 15, 1926. The son of Étienne Michelin and the grandson of Édouard Michelin, who co-founded Michelin & Cie in

1889, took over as co-managing partner of Michelin in 1955 after working various jobs with the company.

Michelin credits François with taking the group from being tenth in the industry to becoming the largest tire manufacturer in the world. In

1946, the company introduced the famous “X tire” – the company’s radial tire – which offered a significant improvement over bias-ply tires.

Under François’s leadership, the company took the technology worldwide, expanding the range for passenger cars and introducing radial technology into truck tires, earthmovers, agricultural equipment, aircraft and motorbikes.

Between 1960 and 1990, Michelin noted that the company’s radial tire production was multiplied by seven and two new factories were built every 18 months worldwide. Notably, it was under François that the company expanded into North America among other continents. As a result, the company continued to grow worldwide until it became the world’s biggest tire maker.

François entrusted the management of the group to his son Édouard at a shareholder’s meeting in May 2002. The company recognized him during the meeting for his 50-years of work at the company.

“On behalf of the group’s employees, I would like to pay special tribute to this exceptional man who was universally respected for his values, his convictions, and his vision,” said Jean-Dominique Senard, CEO of Groupe Michelin, when the company announced François’ passing.

François’ wife, the former Bernadette Montagne, died in 2013. He is survived by five children and six grandchildren.

You May Also Like

Stoneridge Appoints Chief Technology Officer

Most recently, Troy Cooprider was VP of global technology, responsible for leading product innovation, advanced engineering and technology strategy.

Stoneridge Appoints Chief Technology Officer

Stoneridge, Inc. announced the appointment of Troy Cooprider to the position of chief technology officer. Cooprider will set the company's strategic technology and product roadmaps, and support future innovation and growth through oversight of the global engineering function, the company said.

Most recently, he was vice president of global technology at Stoneridge, responsible for leading product innovation, advanced engineering and technology strategy.

MBE Group Promotes Gretchen Bennett to Account Manager

Bennett will support strategic initiatives for clients, including media relations, event management, content development and more.

MBE Group Promotes Gretchen Bennett to Account Manager
Advance Auto Parts Appoints Three New Independent Directors

With the appointments, the company’s board will temporarily expand to 12 directors.

Advance Auto Parts
Marelli Names EVP/President of Automotive Lighting & Sensing

Frank Huber assumed this role effective March 1.

Marelli Names EVP/President of Automotive Lighting & Sensing
Monro, Inc. Appoints Vice President Human Resources

Jack Heisman assumed this post, effective immediately, and will also oversee Monro’s corporate communications department.

Monro, Inc. Appoints Vice President Human Resources

Other Posts

Jacki Lutz Named Content Director at Auto Care Association

As the director of content, Lutz will be tasked with leading a cross-functional and multimedia content strategy, development and execution across all platforms.

Philippe Baudin Appointed COO of Amerigo International

He will concurrently hold the position of advisor to CEO Sylvain Abergel for relations with aftermarket leading suppliers.

BorgWarner Appoints Chief Accounting Officer

Amy Kulikowski fills the position, effective March 1.

BorgWarner Appoints Chief Accounting Officer
GSP Adds Snyder as Sr. Account Manager, Specialty Accounts

Greg Snyder will lead sales efforts for GSP in the e-commerce, ATV/UTV, OES and O’Reilly Auto Parts segments.

Greg-Snyder-GSP-North-America