TAMPA, Fla. — Boutique investment banking firm Skyway Capital Markets, L.L.C. has hired former Michelin North American executive Henry Schmitt to be its managing director, focusing on the commercial tire market, light manufacturing and other middle market industrial businesses.
In his new role, Mr. Schmitt — a 33-year Michelin veteran — will help companies with mergers and acquisitions, financing growth and market consolidation, Skyway Capital said.
Mr. Schmitt was technical and manufacturing director for Michelin Tweel Technologies, the Michelin business unit that develops, manufactures and sells Tweel tire/wheel hybrid units for commercial applications, for three years through year-end 2016, and prior to that president of Michelin Retread Technologies Inc. (MRTI) for five years, from 2008 to 2013.
As president of MRTI, Mr. Schmitt was responsible for Michelin's North American retreading franchise business in North America, as commercial tire dealers franchise the retread manufacturing and materials from MRTI.
Skyway Capital Markets Chairman Marty Traber said Mr. Schmitt's commercial tire industry expertise "will be a huge asset to our business and open up new opportunities for our firm."
Tampa-based Skyway Capital said it represents private business owners seeking to exit, transition or accelerate the growth of their business.