Chris Smith has been named as the new managing director of Michelin UK, replacing James Alderman, who has retired.

Chris Smith, managing director of Michelin UK

Smith joined Michelin in 2007 and is currently sales director B2B for the UK and Republic of Ireland; a role he will continue to hold as well as overseeing the strategy and direction of Michelin UK.

His background at Michelin also includes the role of truck and bus marketing director for North Europe.

Smith will report to the board of Michelin Europe North, a region made up of the UK, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Scandinavia.

He said: “My absolute focus will be on customer satisfaction, employee engagement and growth. Change is the new norm and we need to make sure we are agile enough to take advantage of that. We have a strong team at Michelin UK and I’m confident we can deliver significant growth on the back of that.

“These are exciting times for Michelin Europe North and I’m extremely proud to be managing director of the business in the UK and Ireland.

“I fully intend to continue James Alderman’s commitment to the vision and values of the Michelin Group.”