Pirelli appoints Mexico head

Pirelli Tire North America executive Tom Gravalos has been named CEO of Pirelli Neumaticos S.A. de C.V. in Mexico (Pirelli Mexico), effective immediately, reports Tire Review. Gravalos was vice president of marketing and OE for Pirelli Tire North America.

In his new role, Gravalos will be responsible for the operations of Pirelli’s newest plant in Silao, Mexico, as well as sales, marketing and distribution activities in the country. He will continue to report to PTNA chairman and CEO Paolo Ferrari.

Gravalos was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and grew up in the U.S. He received his MBA from Bowling Green State University, and started in the tyre industry in 1975 with Goodyear. Gravalos joined PTNA in 2007.

“With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Tom boasts an impressive track record that will help in the development and growth of Pirelli in Mexico,” said Ferrari. “His role will be to consolidate Pirelli’s business strategy and strengthen the network of distributors, while maintaining original equipment relationships and business in the NAFTA region.”