Phil Baldock takes over as Michelin UK communications head

Responsibility for Michelin communications in the UK and Ireland now rests in the hands of Phil Baldock. The 19-year company veteran has been appointed to the role of head of Communications at Michelin Tyre plc following the retirement of Peter Snelling, who has held this position for the past six years. Baldock, 51, is based at Michelin’s UK head office in Stoke-on-Trent and reports to managing director Eric Le Corre.

“After 18 years in sales and marketing it is a privilege to be appointed head of Communications,” commented Baldock. “It is a very interesting time for the business as we are tackling major issues such as the rapid growth of the cold weather tyre market, plus preparing for the introduction of tyre labelling in 2012. These are major issues for the industry, and ones where communication is playing a key role; helping motorists to make more informed decisions when buying tyres. Additionally, Michelin remain by far the largest player in the UK tyre manufacturing industry, with production facilities in Ballymena, Dundee and Stoke. We’ve got strong growth ambitions for next five years, and I’m looking forward to being part of that success.”

Baldock started his career as a mining engineer for British Coal in Doncaster, before moving on to become a colliery overman at Hem Heath Colliery. He left in 1988 to join Costain, spending three years working on the Channel Tunnel project. His career with Michelin began in 1992; he worked with truck fleet customers as a sales representative for three years before progressing into a marketing role, as marketing manager for the new multibrand operation. Subsequent positions include key account manager for the car product line, in 1998, plus five years as commercial director for Michelin’s earthmover and industrial division and three years as distribution development manager, where he managed Michelin’s independent truck tyre dealer network.  Since July 2010 Baldock worked as a project manager within the communications team, with direct responsibility for Michelin’s double centenary celebrations, held at London’s Michelin House in January 2011.