Pirelli Tyre CEO Gori leaving company

ERJ staff report (TB)

Milan, Italy (May 10, 2012) - Pirelli Tyre S.p.A. CEO Francesco Gori is leaving the Milan-based tyre maker, but he did not disclose his reasons for leaving the company after 33 years or his immediate plans.

After days of rumors of his exit from the company, Gori announced his departure at the annual meeting yesterday of Pirelli & Co. S.p.A., Pirelli Tyre's parent. Gori is managing director of Pirelli & C.

Gori, who will mark his 60th birthday next week, will be bound by a three-year non-compete agreement, Pirelli said. The company did not disclose who, if anyone, would replace Gori.

A native of Florence, Italy, Gori joined Pirelli in 1978 in the firm's motorcycle tyres business and moved steadily up through the company's sales and marketing ranks.

In 1990 he moved to the car tyre side of the business, first as business manager, then director of product planning and strategy; director of business development; and sales and marketing directy in 1999.

In 2001 he was appointed general manager of the firm's tyre sector, and in July 2006 advanced to CEO of Pirelli Tyre.

He also was president of the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers Association from 2006-2011.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Press release from Pirelli