Michelin names new UK MD

Wayne Culbertson has been appointed managing director of Michelin Tyre Plc, replacing Eric Le Corre who has taken up the Paris-based position of head of public affairs.

Culbertson will be based at Michelin’s UK headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent. He brings with him 39 years of experience within Michelin’s operations in Europe, Australia and the US, most recently as executive vice-president of personnel and chief human resources officer for Michelin North America. This included an assignment in Northern Ireland in the mid-1980s.

He joined the Michelin Group in 1974 after gaining a degree in engineering from Clemson University, South Carolina, USA. During this time, Culbertson has also worked in various manufacturing roles, including as plant manager of the Spartanburg, Sandy Springs and Starr facilities in South Carolina. In addition, he has headed up Michelin’s marketing and sales offices for the South Pacific region and has served in various other positions in diverse areas such as quality and geographic zone management. He has served on several boards and committees in the United States, including the Clemson Professional Advancement and Continuing Education Board, the Rubber Manufacturers Association HR Committee and the Advisory Board of the Medical University of South Carolina’s Hollings Cancer Center.

Commenting on his appointment, Culbertson said: “I am looking forward to continuing the good progress of the last few years with our strong Michelin UK team. The current economic environment presents particular challenges, but our outstanding, flexible workforce, and Michelin’s powerful brand awareness here in the UK put us in a strong position to grow our business.”

Eric Le Corre began as managing director of Michelin Plc in July 2010. Prior to this he served as executive vice-president & chief financial officer at Michelin North America from 2005 to 2010 and as director of investor relations for Michelin’s French manufacturing operations for a period of five years.