Heywood Michelin’s New Truck Operational Marketing Manager

As of January 1, Guy Heywood, who is currently Michelin’s operational marketing manager for Truck, will take over the role of UK & Republic of Ireland operational sales manager for Truck. In this new position Heywood will report to Truck commercial director Bill Schafer and lead a national team of sales account managers across the UK and Republic of Ireland. In doing so, Michelin comments that Heywood will be leading the largest specialist truck tyre sales force of any manufacturer in the industry.

Prior to his current role of operational marketing manager, held for the last six months, Heywood has served in various positions at Michelin, including truck sales account manager in North Wales. His career with the tyre maker also includes four years as production manager at the Stoke-on-Trent-based Remix plant, during which time he drove a 20 per cent increase in the factory’s productivity.

Commenting on his appointment, Heywood said: “2011 is going to be a very exciting year for Michelin and we are targeting strong growth. We are in the unique position of having maintained the strength of our sales teams over the last two years, which in turn has allowed us to preserve our credibility with a fully-staffed and professional network of account managers. Together with the proven quality of our Four Lives offer and with some significant product announcements in the pipeline, we’re well placed to increase our share of the market over the next 12 months.”

Heywood expects the majority of growth to come via small and medium sized regional fleets, however market share amongst national operators should also be maintained at current levels. “We will continue our close working relations with ATS Euromaster and at the same time focus on growth through independent channels, both via our Michelin Truck Professional dealers and transactional dealers,” he commented.

Incumbent UK & Republic of Ireland operational sales manager for Truck, Helen Tattersall, has been promoted to a Michelin Group position at Michelin Lifestyle Ltd. She has served in her current truck business role for the last three years.