People & Careers

First female head for Michelin Korea as Michelle Zhu takes charge

Published:

October 13, 2025

Author:

James Lockwood

Michelle Zhu becomes Michelin Korea’s first female chief

Michelin has appointed Michelle Zhu as Managing Director of Michelin Korea, marking the first female leadership of the Seoul-based unit since its establishment in 1991. Zhu succeeds Jérôme Vincon, who is moving to a new leadership role with Michelin in Japan. The company points to premium-market growth and closer customer engagement as immediate priorities under the recent chief.

A first for Michelin in Korea

Maeil Business Newspaper reported the 1 October appointment, noting Zhu’s remit to oversee all Korean operations and expand premium sales channels. The company framed the move as part of a broader push for diversity and inclusion in regional leadership.

Michelin’s brand strength and sustainability posture remain central to its regional growth story. Recent Tyre News coverage showed Michelin named the world’s most valuable and strongest tyre brand in 2025,



reinforcing premium positioning that aligns with Zhu’s stated channel-expansion focus.

What changes under new leadership

Industry sources in Korea have highlighted the company’s push on retail and service visibility (including the Tyremore franchise model) alongside OE and replacement demand recovery. Zhu’s arrival signals continuity, with Vincon pictured leading Michelin Korea activities as recently as February 2025.

Background on Michelle Zhu

Zhu is a Michelin Group executive and part of the East Asia & Australia regional leadership. Her experience spans European innovation roles and Asia–Pacific commercial leadership, with earlier stints at Saint-Gobain and Orange’s APAC consulting arm. She studied at Fudan University, ESCP Paris and INSEAD.

“Korea is a key market for innovation in the global automobile and mobility industries,” Zhu said, adding that she intends to pursue “a strategic balance of people, perf

📌 First female head for Michelin Korea as Michelle Zhu takes charge (Raver)
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