Francois Michelin French entrepreneur and businessman, heir to big business. Date of Birth: 15.06.1926 Country: France

Biography of Françoise Michelin

Françoise Michelin was a French entrepreneur and businessman who was the heir to a large family business. He was born in Clermont-Ferrand, France, and was the son of Étienne Michelin and Madeleine Callies. At the age of 10, Michelin became an orphan and went on to receive a bachelor's degree in mathematics.

In 1951, Michelin joined the family company, starting from the bottom and working his way up. He worked under a fake name, learning the secrets of factory workers and studying the manufacturing process from the beginning. He worked as a mechanic and then became a driver before eventually working in the sales and marketing department.

In 1955, Michelin became the CEO of the company and under his leadership, Michelin emerged as the largest tire manufacturer in the world. He played a significant role in expanding the company's market share globally, opening 25 new factories worldwide between 1960 and 1979, including one in Vietnam.

Michelin's strategic decisions also played a crucial role in the company's success. In 1990, Michelin acquired Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Co., which helped them become the leading player in the American tire and rubber market. Although the acquisition initially led to significant debts, Michelin's determination and strategic vision allowed the company to pay off its debts and solidify its position as an industry leader.

Michelin was not only a talented entrepreneur but also contributed to technological advancements in the industry. He pioneered the development of radial tires, which became the standard in tire manufacturing. In 1993, he introduced environmentally-friendly tires that reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

Throughout his career, Michelin emphasized the importance of innovation and treated all employees equally, regardless of their status or position. He believed in maintaining secrecy and confidentiality in business operations. In 1999, Michelin stepped down as the CEO and became co-chairman of the company, handing over the reins to his son, Édouard Michelin, before retiring in 2002.

Michelin authored the book "And Why Not? The Human Person at the Heart of Business," which was published in 2003. He continued to advocate for business ethics and innovation, speaking on these topics at conferences.

Françoise Michelin passed away on April 29, 2015, at the age of 88. He was hailed as one of the greatest French industrialists of the post-war era by François Hollande, the President of France, who recognized Michelin's understanding of the importance of innovation and long-term industrial development.