Selleck to take on Michelin North America top job

Upon the retirement of Michelin North America chairman and president Richard “Dick” Wilkerson later this year, current president of Michelin’s Truck and Bus division, Pete Selleck, will step into the role of heading up the company’s North American operation. Wilkerson will become chairman emeritus of Michelin North America when he retires from his current role.

Announcing Wilkerson’s retirement on June 21, Michelin managing general partner Jean-Dominique Senard said “Dick has demonstrated exemplary leadership throughout his career at Michelin. Most recently, he helped guide Michelin North America to record results in spite of the economic recession. Michelin North America is emerging from this extremely difficult time even stronger than before and with the satisfaction of knowing that no employee lost a job at Michelin because of the economy. To recognise his contribution, we are naming Dick to the newly created role of chairman emeritus of Michelin North America upon his retirement.”

Wilkerson, a 31-year veteran of the company, has been in his current role since August 2008. During his tenure as chairman and president, Michelin North America became the largest tyre maker in the region by sales and the company notes it has remained the most profitable tyre maker in North America for seven consecutive years.  “My decision to retire as chairman was one of the most difficult of my career because of my abiding respect for the men and women of Michelin and the values that guide our company,” stated Wilkerson. “It has been an honour to serve the company, and I am proud of everything we accomplished together. However, the time has come to begin a new chapter, one that will allow me to more fully engage in service to the communities in which we live and work.”

Selleck, who has been president of Michelin’s global Truck Tire business since January 2006, returns to North America after a nine year absence – he held the position of COO of Michelin Americas Small Tires between 1996 and 2003. Prior to his current role, Selleck led the company’s passenger and light truck replacement tyre division for Europe.