Parts Magazine readers are familiar with our format in each issue of having one of Parts Unlimited’s major suppliers spotlighted in a cover story. The month’s long-planned spotlight is about Michelin, the world’s largest tire maker. As we were in the final stages of production, we received the tragic news of the death of the company’s Chief Executive Officer Edouard Michelin May 26th in a boating accident. In respect to the memory of Mr. Michelin, his family and the 130,000 Michelin employees, this tribute replaces my usual column.

Edouard Michelin (left) got an update last year from one of his company’s greatest stars, Valentino Rossi, who was en route to winning the 2004 MotoGP World Championship on Michelin tires. Photo courtesy of Michelin/DPPI.

douard Michelin was named after his great grandfather, who with brother Andre founded the Michelin company in 1889. By the turn of the century, Michelin was well-known for its line of quality motorcycle, auto and bicycle tires, Michelin “Red Guide” publications, and its Michelin Man advertising symbol. Through the years, the legacy continued through young Edouard’s father Francois, who headed Michelin for 44 years.
As a teenager, Edouard worked summers in various divisions at Michelin. After earning a degree in engineering from Ecole Centrale de Paris and serving in the French Navy, Edouard joined the company full time in 1987. He held various positions in the company, including a stint at the U.S. operations in Greenville, South Carolina, before being named in 1999 as his father’s successor as Michelin CEO.
In his years at the helm, Edouard brought a different style, energy and new policies to the French company. While his father declined interviews and never chaired the company’s annual meetings, Edouard reversed course and started having regular meetings with press and business analysts, and did oversee the annual meetings. He was also the one who ended a ban on having company visitors. Just a week prior to his death, our Managing Editor Jen Emde had accompanied a contingent from Parts Unlimited to France for a tour of the company and surrounding facilities that will be featured in our next issue.
Mr. Michelin is quoted in this issue’s spotlight story on his company, saying “We want to earn our reputation through the excellence of our product. That is what stimulates us.” As you will read, the Michelin reputation is being continually enhanced today on racetracks around the world. He will be sorely missed. Our condolences to all in the Michelin family and organization. Godspeed Edouard, and, bon voyage.