Tyrenet MD Mike Riley retires

After more than 57 years in the tyre business including two decades as Tyrenet managing director, Mike Riley has announced his retirement effective 30 June 2023. Announcing the news, Tyrenet representatives highlighted how Riley’s contributions have been “integral to the success of Tyrenet”, adding: “Mike will continue to play a strategic role in the company as chairman, moving from the daily operations to overseeing and influencing the future growth of Tyrenet.”

Mike Riley began his career in 1966 as a Field Service Engineer at Dunlop. After 11 years, he made the jump to ATS working as an Area Sales Manager. In 1985 he started his own venture and within the year had established his first successful business, Tyresave. As Tyresave grew to become one of the leading companies of its type in the Northwest, another chapter began, Tyrenet. Since 2004, Riley has led Tyrenet to become a leading tyre management and repair specialist network. Three years later, Riley also co-founded the Tyre European Network (TEN), the first pan-European independent tyre dealer network which includes 14 countries and more than 3,600 service centres.

Moving forward, the reins will be handed over to Aaron Mikoleizik, Tyrenet’s current Finance and Operations Director. Mikoleizik has been a director of Tyrenet since early 2009, something that positions the business “for a seamless transition”, according to the company.

Mike Riley’s retirement also comes with the opportunity for adventure. On 21 September, Riley embarks on a solo trek to Camino De Santiago in Spain. Beginning the long walk at Saint Sebastian, Riley will finish a total of 504 miles (14 miles a day) and arrive 36 days later at Santiago De Compostela. Readers can follow his progress via Tyrenet on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

“As a teenager checking tyres on customers’ trucks, I could never have imagined that five decades later I would have created and been at the head of a network of independent tyre dealerships, linking fleets and dealers and providing business solutions and value – I feel so proud and yet so humble in equal measures.

“Proud, because I was driven by a passion for something greater than myself. Humble, because others shared the same vision and shared their ideas and business, and especially work colleagues who have given so much to me and our customers.

“And as I move to another chapter in my life, that pride and humility is the thread that runs through the business network Tyrenet that many helped create and develop.

“Tyrenet has and continues to drive innovation and positive change in our fast-moving businesses, and keeping vehicles moving as at the heart of everything we do.

“So, as I take a back seat in life and business, I am proud, humble and confident that the drive for excellence that created Tyrenet will continue and endure, providing more businesses with the best in class solution to vehicle mobility”.