SILAO, Mexico (May 8, 2013) – Pirelli Tire North America has appointed Tom Gravalos CEO of Pirelli Neumaticos S.A. de C.V. in Mexico, overseeing the operations of the firm's car and light truck tire plant in Silao as well as commercial activities in the country.
Mr. Gravalos, a native of Guadalajara, Mexico, has been with Pirelli since 2007 as vice president of marketing and OE. Prior to that he spent 32 years with Goodyear in various position, including account manager.
He succeeds Mario Bernabai, who will be returning to Pirelli headquarters in Milan, Italy.
"(Mr. Gravalos') role will be to consolidate Pirelli's business strategy and strengthen the network of distributors, while maintaining original equipment relationships and business in the NAFTA region," said Paolo Ferrari, chairman and CEO of Pirelli Tire North America.
Pirelli opened the Silao factory in May 2012 after an investment of $300 million and a construction time of 18 months.
Pirelli said Mr. Gravalos' responsibilities will be reassigned to other company executives.
