Francois Michelin, head of the French tyre company which bears his family name has died age 88.<br /><br /> A statement called the former company chief a visionary and humanitarian who, “embodied the values of respect that are the very foundation of our Group’s identity”.<br /><br /> Under his leadership the company experienced unprecedented growth and he was instrumental in transforming the Michelin Group into an international company which is now the world’s second largest tyre maker.<br /><br /> He handed over the management reins in 1999 but was still involved until his retirement from any active involvement in 2002.
