Goodyear's Kramer takes office as CEO, president

ERJ staff report (TB)

Akron, Ohio -- During Goodyear's 2010 annual shareholders meeting, Richard Kramer officially took office as the Akron-based tire maker's CEO and president, replacing Robert Keegan, who remains with the company as executive chairman.

In his address at the meeting, Mr. Kramer said he is confident in Goodyear's ability to grow as global economies recover, which he said is supported by the company's strong brand portfolio, new product offerings, large retailer network and enhanced supply chain capabilities.

“It is very clear to me that we continue to be focused on the right drivers of our business, and those business drivers will continue to define and support our global growth plans with an emphasis on the emerging markets,” Mr. Kramer said.

“I am excited about the opportunity that growth will provide to Goodyear,” he said. “As tire complexity increases at rates previously unheard of, Goodyear's global presence, broad technical capability and addiction to speed as a trademark of our pace of change all provide us with a clear competitive advantage during this period.”

Also during the meeting, Goodyear shareholders re-elected 12 members of the company's board of directors: Mr. Keegan, Mr. Kramer, James Boland, James Firestone, W. Alan McCollough, Denise Morrison, Rodney O'Neal, Shirley Peterson, Stephanie Streeter, G. Craig Sullivan, Thomas Weidemeyer and Michael Wessel.

Shareholders also ratified the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers L.L.P. as the Akron-based tire maker's independent registered public accounting firm for 2010.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Press release from Goodyear