Goodyear hires GE exec to succeed Clark

ERJ staff report (TB)

AKRON (Sept. 30, 2009) - Goodyear has hired John Fish, a General Electric Co. vice president, as senior vice president of global operations to succeed Christopher Clark, senior vice president of global sourcing, who is retiring at year-end.

Mr. Fish, 52, will oversee manufacturing and related supply chain activities throughout Goodyear's global business units. He will start Oct. 5.

“Jack had an impressive track record at General Electric of improving global manufacturing and supply chain processes to drive customer service, efficiency and quality,” said Goodyear Chairman and CEO Robert Keegan.

Mr. Fish spent almost 29 years with GE, most recently as vice president of consumer global supply chain for GE's Consumer and Industrial business, headquartered in Louisville, Ky.

“Jack's background and experience are a great fit for Goodyear,” said Richard Kramer, COO and president, North American Tire. “We are confident that Jack's demonstrated leadership will help us take our efforts on global advantaged supply chain and productivity to the next level, in particular as it relates to our new four-year contract with the United Steelworkers.”

Mr. Fish began his career in 1980 with GE's Aircraft Engines business, where he served in a variety of operations, manufacturing and quality control roles until 1996. Fish joined GE's Transportation Systems business in 1997 as general manager of global supply chain.

In 2001, he was elected as an officer of the company and promoted to vice president of supply chain for the Global Lighting business, and, in 2004, he moved to his most recent role with the Consumer and Industrial business.

Fish received his bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering technology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and his MBA from Xavier University in Cincinnati.

Mr. Clark disclosed in June his intention to retire from Goodyear after 36 years with the tire maker, including the senior vice presidency for the past six years.

He joined Goodyear in 1973 as a management trainee and worked in a number of corporate finance positions throughout his career, including several overseas assignments. He was president of Goodyear's Latin America region from July 2000 to November 2003.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Press release from Goodyear