Goodyear combines European regions to form new strategic business unit

In order to accelerate growth and maximize earnings, the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has formed a new strategic business unit. The new region combines the former European Union (EU) business unit with the Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA) unit and will be the company's largest in terms of geography and second largest, after North America, in terms of sale revenue. The change becomes effective Feb. 1, 2008.

"While the two former regions are different in terms of approach to the market, there are also many similarities which are increasing, especially with the introduction of the new EU member states," says Goodyear Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Keegan, who adds that the simplified organization will speed decision making.

Keegan announced the appointment of Arthur de Bok, formerly president, EU, as the president of the new SBU. De Bok will report to Keegan. In addition, he announced the appointment of Michel Rzonzef, formerly vice president sales and marketing, EEMEA, as president of the EEMEA countries. Rzonzef will report to de Bok.

"I have seen both Arthur and Michel develop rapidly over these past few years into outstanding businessmen and leaders," Keegan says. "I am confident the new opportunities for both will continue their personal and professional development."

Keegan also announced the retirement, for family reasons, of Jarro Kaplan, president, EEMEA, after a career spanning more than 38 years. He praised the contribution of Kaplan who had joined the region in 2001 and had steered the business unit to outstanding increases in turnover and profit.

"Jarro has been one of the most successful business leaders in our company's history," Keegan adds. "We will miss his contributions and wish him all the best in the next era of his life."

De Bok was appointed to his position in September 2005, having joined the company after a 13 year career with Procter & Gamble. De Bok has bachelor's and master's degrees in law from Erasmus University in the Netherlands.

"Since becoming president of the EU organization, Arthur has led a successful market driven approach to our businesses and has simplified the organization. His proven leadership capabilities will be invaluable as he leads this newly integrated business into the future," says Keegan.

Rzonzef was appointed to his current position in December 2002. He received a degree in electro-mechanical engineering from Liege University in Belgium in 1987 and joined Goodyear Luxembourg shortly afterwards. After positions in the Goodyear Technical Center he held various roles in sales and marketing before becoming general manager in central Europe in 2001.

"Michel has been one of the driving forces behind the success of the EEMEA region and has been responsible for the tremendous growth of the business," De Bok says. "His knowledge, people skills and experience will be invaluable as we integrate our businesses focusing intensely on our customers and our markets."

For more information about the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and the implementation of its new strategic business unit, visit the company's corporate Web site.