In ceremonies held in Las Vegas at the annual “TIA Breakfast with the President” during the SEMA Show, François Michelin was inducted into the Tire Industry Association Hall of Fame in recognition of “his outstanding accomplishments and extraordinary contributions to the tire industry.”
Accompanied by one of his sons, Damien, François Michelin, former managing partner of the Michelin Group, accepted his award in front of TIA members who welcomed him with enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation.
As he took the stage, Peggy Fisher, outgoing TIA president, spoke of Michelin thusly: “When I first met Mr. Michelin, I was taken by the kindness and respect he gave me.” Michelin was chosen for his lifetime of service to the tire industry, including his support for the advancement of radial tire technology and for building a company known worldwide for its integrity and innovative products.
“My biggest joy is to have enabled the men and women of the Michelin Group to become what they are, to have grown to the best of their abilities,” Michelin remarked from the podium. “I believe that’s the core of our business.”
Michelin shared some of his keys to success over the years: “What has impressed me the most is the responsibility we carry for one another in the industry. I have always been amazed by the capacity of people to adapt to change and progress within their markets.”
François Michelin became the CEO of the Michelin Group in 1959. Under his leadership the company achieved substantial worldwide growth and expansion. As a supporter of the advancement of the radial tire, Michelin led the company’s efforts in applying the innovative technology to truck tires in 1952, earthmovers in 1959 and aircraft in 1981.
Other 2008 inductees into the TIA’s Hall of Fame were: Larry Morgan, chairman of Morgan Tire & Auto, Inc.; Terry Westhafer, president and general manager of Central Tire Corp.; Harold Herzlich, president of Herzlich Consulting, LLC (Friend of the Industry Award); Joe Esco, founder of the Esco Tire Co., Oklahoma City (Historical Contributor).
