Pirelli Tire North America Names New CEO
Pirelli North America’s current CEO, Pietro Berardi, is leaving the company, Pirelli announced, and will be replaced by Claudio Zanardo, effective Nov. 1.
Zanardo will join the North American team from Pirelli’s Milan headquarters, where he has most recently served as senior vice president Moto and Velo.
Zanardo has extensive experience in the automotive industry: in 2004 he joined Ducati Motor Holding, covering roles of increasing responsibility and, most recently, held the position of head of sales strategies and planning, the company said.
In 2015, he joined Pirelli, taking charge of marketing and controlled retail for Region Europe until assuming responsibility for Driver Italia (Pirelli’s franchise network) in 2016. He was then appointed country chief executive officer of Italy, before moving to the role, starting from January 2020, of senior vice president Moto.
As CEO of the North American region, Zanardo will be responsible for the car, motorcycle and cycling businesses, as well as manufacturing facilities in Rome, Georgia, and Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico.
“It’s an honor to join the Pirelli team in North America, which is one of the most important markets for the company,” said Zanardo. “The local team has done an incredible job of growing our brand and presence in the Region and increasing product offering tailored specifically for this market. I am thrilled to build on this legacy and bring my knowledge of the industry, combined with my recent position at Pirelli’s headquarters, to continue fueling our momentum.”
“It has been a true honor to lead the North American team and lay the foundation for continued future growth in this market,” said Berardi. “While I’m sad to leave a talented team and exciting marketplace, I’m also looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities that await me in my career.”
