Laurent Mozziconacci, 38, has joined the agricultural division of Stoke-on-Trent-based Michelin Tyre plc. He takes over the role of Product Marketing and Technical Manager for the UK and Republic of Ireland from Peter Debenham, who is retiring after 44 years’ service to the company.
Mr Mozziconacci was born in Michelin’s home-town of Clermont Ferrand in France and brings 17 years of experience within Michelin to the UK. He previously spent eight years working for the agricultural division in France, most recently in the same role he is taking over in the UK. Prior to specialising in agricultural tyres he spent eight years as an account manager for Michelin’s truck product line – initially covering the Nice region of southern France, before spending four years in Grenoble at the foot of the French Alps.
The new role sees Mr Mozziconacci report directly to Rob Beddis, Commercial Director of Michelin’s agricultural division. He will be responsible for managing all technical elements of Michelin’s Agricultural and Compact Line product range – spanning tyres for everything from tractors, combine harvesters and spreaders, through to row crop and trailer tyres. The Compact Line range adds rugged tyres for telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators and all-terrain forklifts.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Mozziconacci says: "What I love about this role is that every day is different. You get to work closely with customers operating different machines in a huge variety of applications. It provides an opportunity to use the breadth of the Michelin and Kleber product ranges to find solutions which increase a customer’s yield, productivity and fuel efficiency.
"I’m particularly looking forward to building upon the strong relationships Peter has established for Michelin within the industry," he adds.
Mr Mozziconacci will work closely with farmers, contractors, construction companies, original equipment manufacturers and the Company’s network of 42 ExelAgri dealers – Michelin’s accreditation scheme for agricultural and construction tyre specialists.
Mr Debenham joined Michelin’s agriculture division in a training role in 1996, before taking on his most recent product marketing and technical position in 2002.
"It’s been a superb industry to work in," he says. "All the people are so genuine, appreciative and supportive and I’ve made a lot of close friends."
