PARIS—Edouard Michelin, a Group Michelin managing partner since 1991 and son of the head of Group Michelin, Francois Michelin, will succeed his father as the company's most senior executive this year, pending the approval of shareholders at the firm's annual meeting June 11. At the same time, Michelin's managing partners have recommended that the contract of Francois Michelin, 73, as a managing partner be extended through mid-2002, or three years beyond the company's mandatory retirement age.
Francois Michelin has worked at the company since 1951 and has been a managing partner since 1955.
Edouard Michelin, 36, the youngest of Francois Michelin's four sons, joined the company in 1985 and worked in a variety of positions—including general manager of manufacturing and truck tire distribution in North America—before being named a managing partner in 1991.
In addition to Francois and Edouard Michelin, Rene Zingraff is a third managing partner. Mr. Zingraff, 63, a chemical engineer, has been with Michelin since 1963 and a managing partner since 1986.
The managing partners also have proposed expanding the firm's supervisory board by one, making two nominations and accepting one resignation.
Those nominated are Eric Bourdais de Charbonniere, director of finance for Group Michelin, and Francois Grappotte, chairman and CEO of the French firm Legrand.