When Malcolm Scovell was appointed commercial director at Michelin Tyre Plc earlier this year, his appointment marked a significant change in the company’s management as it followed the almost simultaneous appointment of Bill Schafer as commercial director of Michelin’s UK truck and bus operations in July. Now Scovell’s predecessor (Hervé de Froment) has transferred to take on a new role with Michelin in sunny Spain, Scovell – himself the former managing director of Michelin Nordic – has taken the opportunity to move to warmer (if not drier) climes. In his first full interview since taking over at Campbell Road, Tyres & Accessories asked what he brings to the role and what the market can expect in the next 12 months.

According to Malcolm Scovell, premium brands have managed to maintain their overall market share despite the pressures of the down market. However, it is clear that some have faired better than others. As far as Michelin is concerned this year is said to have been pleasingly stable: “We are confident we have been able to maintain our position…[But] if we hadn’t have taken such a broad approach to the market – fleets, distribution, OE etc – we could have lost ground.”