Michelin name new MD for UK and Ireland
John Howe succeeds Chris Smith as managing director; new appointment effective from 1 January 2022
MICHELIN Tyre plc have appointed John Howe as managing director for the UK & Ireland, effective from 1 January 2022. He will also hold the role of B2C sales director, with responsibility for the company’s car, motorcycle, and bicycle markets.
Mr Howe (pictured) has 25 years’ service within the company, having begun his career in the warehouse of Solideal UK, before continuing with the business through a series of acquisitions, first by Solideal International, then Camoplast and Camso, and finally by Michelin in 2018.
He has a wealth of experience in the tyre industry at all levels, having initially worked as a warehouse operative and mobile service technician, before becoming an area sales manager and later general manager for Solideal International.
During seven years at Camso, between 2013 and 2020, he progressed from commercial director to UK managing director, and finally original equipment aftermarket director for the EMEA region.
Since February 2020 he has worked directly within Michelin, spending his first 18 months as global programme manager within the agriculture, construction, and materials handling markets, where he was responsible for helping the 10 regions globally to ‘go to market’ in the most effective way.
Most recently he has been global business development and corporate account manager for the same three sectors, heading a team responsible for Michelin’s largest international key accounts.
Commenting on his new role, Mr Howe said: ‘I’m excited about the opportunity to evolve the business here in the UK and Ireland, whilst also respecting the legacy of Michelin. The market is getting more dynamic all the time, and I want to ensure Michelin remain a true pioneer – with, around, and beyond tyres.’
Mr Howe will be based in Stoke-on-Trent and replaces former managing director Chris Smith, who recently moved to Michelin’s international headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France, to take over the role of global marketing director for long-distance transportation.
