In a newly created position, Richard J. Kramer has been named as Goodyear?s chief operating officer. He will also maintain his current position as president of the North American tire division until a successor is named.
?Rich?s appointment as chief operating officer reflects our game plan of having a laser focus on operations globally during these extraordinary times,? says Robert J. Keegan, chairman and CEO. ?It also reflects the confidence that the board (of directors) and I have in Rich?s overall business leadership capability,? he adds.
?Rich brings enormous credibility and respect from all key constituents, our associates, our customers and Wall Street,? Keegan continues. ?Under Rich?s leadership in North American Tire, his team has successfully managed the business to deal swiftly and effectively with the current challenging economic environment.?
He goes on to point out that ?we are pleased to have a business leader of Rich?s caliber ready to step into this important role at this critical time. Rich has generated improved results and built improved leadership teams in every assignment at Goodyear.
Kramer, 45, is a 1986 graduate of John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. The Cleveland native joined Goodyear as vice president of corporate finance in 2000 after 13 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he served in a variety of roles including being promoted to partner.
In 2004, Kramer was selected as Goodyear?s chief financial officer and executive vice president, rising in 2007 to the presidency of the North American tire division, which is the company?s largest business unit with 2008 sales of $8.3 billion, representing 42 percent of Goodyear?s $19.5 billion in annual sales.
