Michelin appoints new technical specialist

Michelin has announced the appointment of Brian Porteous, 43, who is the company’s new technical product marketing manager with a remit that includes the company’s truck, bus and coach products within the UK and Ireland. He replaces Paul Kendrick, who is retiring after 43 years with the company. Porteous will be based at Michelin’s UK headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent and will report to Martin Covington, head of Truck and Earthmover Marketing.

Porteous joined Michelin when he graduated as a mechanical engineer in 1990. He worked as an industrial engineer developing systems and methods for Michelin’s tyre manufacturing plants in the UK.  He later transferred to the Competitions Department where he spent four seasons (1995-1998) as a Michelin competition tyre engineer within the TWR Volvo British Touring Car Team.

In 1999 he moved to Michelin’s truck division and became responsible for providing technical support to UK customers, including the Ministry of Defence. During this time he has also acted as Michelin’s “expert-witness” in product liability cases for its Group products – a role he will continue to maintain.

Porteous will now head-up a team of seven technical managers, who work closely with customers, dealers and the company’s own road staff to support all technical aspects surrounding the specification, fitment and safe operation of Michelin commercial vehicle tyres. These technical managers also feed back performance information to assist in the development of new products. His team also includes two survey technicians who monitor the performance of prototype Michelin tyres on trial within selected truck, bus, coach, car and van fleets.

“I’m looking forward to my new role,” says Porteous.  “The last 12 years have provided an excellent foundation within the UK tyre market and we’re currently involved in a number of exciting projects. We’re rolling-out new tyres within our fuel-saving Energy Savergreen range, preparing for the introduction of tyre labelling and advising both the government and industry on winter tyre fitments to help the country ensure better and safer mobility in severe winter conditions.”