Ex-Michelin America Executive Dies

The management at Michelin North America have been paying tribute to a former top executive who died on Monday. Ronald C. Musgnug retired from his position at the head of the Michelin Aircraft Tires division in 1997, but will be remembered as “a true pioneer” of the company’s North American operations. Current executive vice president of Michelin North America, Wayne Culbertson said that “Above all the strong leaders in our company, Ron stood out.”

Musgnug – a New York native – graduated from Adelphia University with a degree in Chemistry and an MBA. Before joining Michelin, he was a sharpshooter in the Marines, worked on the Lunar Excursion Module that first landed on the moon and was involved in Grumman’s F14 fighter jet project. He became Michelin’s first US plant manager at Greenville Donaldson in 1974, followed by stints as Anderson plant manager and head of manufacturing for Michelin Canada. In 1986, he became head of all North American manufacturing and then, in 1993, the worldwide role of global president of Michelin Aircraft Tyres was his.

Pete Selleck, the global president of the company’s truck tyre division, said that, “Ron was dedicated to making sure that Michelin’s decision to manufacture tires in North America was successful. He was a dedicated professional, with a nice balance of drive, patience and the ability to inject humour at the right time.”