SurfaceUnits
05-27-06, 02:41 PM
Michelin is mourning the loss of its CEO, Edouard Michelin, who drowned in a boating accident off the island of Sein in Northwest France.
His death is a huge blow both to the French tyre manufacturer’s Formula 1 programme as well his nation’s business community.
The great, great nephew of the company founder Andre Michelin, he made headlines last year by announcing that Michelin was to withdraw from F1 at the end of 2006 having led it back into the sport at the turn of the century.
The 42-year-old joined Michelin in 1985 with a degree from the Ecole Centrale de Paris, working on the production line, before moving up through the ranks of the company.
He became the CEO of Michelin in 1999, having been picked over his older brothers to take control of the company by his father Andre.
The sport’s governing body, the FIA, released a statement on Saturday which read: “The FIA extends sincere condolences to the Michelin family on the sad news of the death of Edouard Michelin.
“Our thoughts are with Mr Michelin’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."
Michelin confirmed to Reuters that joint managing partner Michel Rollier, would "assure the continuity of the company's management."
Michelin leaves behind a wife and six children.
His death is a huge blow both to the French tyre manufacturer’s Formula 1 programme as well his nation’s business community.
The great, great nephew of the company founder Andre Michelin, he made headlines last year by announcing that Michelin was to withdraw from F1 at the end of 2006 having led it back into the sport at the turn of the century.
The 42-year-old joined Michelin in 1985 with a degree from the Ecole Centrale de Paris, working on the production line, before moving up through the ranks of the company.
He became the CEO of Michelin in 1999, having been picked over his older brothers to take control of the company by his father Andre.
The sport’s governing body, the FIA, released a statement on Saturday which read: “The FIA extends sincere condolences to the Michelin family on the sad news of the death of Edouard Michelin.
“Our thoughts are with Mr Michelin’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."
Michelin confirmed to Reuters that joint managing partner Michel Rollier, would "assure the continuity of the company's management."
Michelin leaves behind a wife and six children.