Zanardo succeeds Berardi as Pirelli Tire North America’s CEO

Claudio Zanardo has been named the next chief executive officer of Pirelli Tire North America. He will begin in this role on 1 November, succeeding Pietro Berardi, who is leaving the company to pursue a new professional challenge. Zanardo joins the North American team from Pirelli’s headquarters in Milan, where he has most recently served as senior vice-president Moto and Velo.

Born in 1979, Claudio Zanardo has extensive experience in the automotive industry: in 2004 he joined Ducati Motor Holding, covering roles of increasing responsibility and, most recently, held the position of head of sales strategies and planning. He joined Pirelli in 2015, taking charge of marketing and controlled retail for the European region until assuming responsibility for Pirelli’s Driver franchise network in 2016. He was then appointed country chief executive officer of Italy, before moving to the role of senior vice-president Moto in January 2020. In February 2021 he also took on responsibility for the Velo business.

Continue fuelling momentum

As chief executive officer of the North American region, Zanardo will be responsible for the car, motorcycle and cycling businesses, as well as the US manufacturing facility in Rome, Georgia and the Silao plant in Guanajuato, Mexico.

“It’s an honour to join the Pirelli team in North America, which is one of the most important markets for the company,” says Zanardo. “The local team has done an incredible job of growing our brand and presence in the region and increasing product offering tailored specifically for this market. I am thrilled to build on this legacy and bring my knowledge of the industry, combined with my recent position at Pirelli’s headquarters, to continue fuelling our momentum.”

Outgoing chief executive officer Pietro Berardi comments that it has been a “true honour to lead the North American team and lay the foundation for continued future growth in this market.” He adds: “While I’m sad to leave a talented team and exciting marketplace, I’m also looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities that await me in my career.”