Mannino stepping down as head of Pirelli Tire North America

Rome, Georgia. - Gaetano (Guy) Mannino, president of Pirelli Tire North America (PTNA) Inc. since February 2002, is leaving the company to “pursue other professional interests.”

Hugh Pace, chairman and CEO of PTNA since June, will assume leadership for all business and commercial operations in addition to his current executive role, Pirelli said.

Mr. Mannino, 50, leaves Pirelli after a 25-year career with the Italian company. He began his career in 1982 and served in a number of international management assignments, first with Pirelli's Power Transmission Division and then starting in 1993 with the Tire Division, where he held management positions in Italy, Venezuela and the US.

During his tenure with PTNA, the company relocated its corporate headquarters to Rome, built a state-of-the-art automated plant there, expanded its national distribution network and moved into original equipment supply with North American vehicle makers. The company reported sales of nearly $400 million last year, compared with sales of $159 million during his first year as president.

Mr. Pace, 56, was an executive with Goodyear for 30 years, including six years as head of the Asia Pacific business prior to his retirement.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)