Goodyear Names Kramer CFO, Tieken to Retire

Richard J. Kramer, senior vice president, strategic planning & restructuring for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, has been named executive vice president and chief financial officer effective June 1. Kramer (40) replaces Robert W. Tieken, who will retire on May 31. Tieken (65) has been Goodyear’s CFO since May 1994.

“Rich is a respected leader with an outstanding background in business and finance,” said Robert J. Keegan, chairman and chief executive officer. “His experience will be invaluable as our company continues its turnaround.” Commenting on Tieken, who joined Goodyear after a 32-year career with General Electric Co., Keegan said: “Through his knowledge and experience, Bob has contributed significantly to Goodyear. We wish Bob and his wife Pat all the best as they enter this new era of their life.”

Kramer, senior vice president, strategic planning & restructuring since August 2003, served as vice president of finance for Goodyear’s North American Tire business unit from July 2002. He joined the company in March 2000 as vice president, corporate finance, after 13 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. He joined PricewaterhouseCoopers in 1986 in Cleveland. He was based at the firm’s Paris office from 1991 to 1994 and became a partner in 1998. He specialized in providing audit and business advisory services to Fortune 100 multi-national companies in the manufacturing, technology, retail and entertainment industries.

Keegan said the timing of the appointment in an era of sharp focus on corporate governance supports Kramer’s personal focus on the importance of financial credibility and individual accountability. “Rich is a believer in thorough processes and individual responsibility as it relates to a continual improvement of the company’s reputation and credibility,” Keegan said. “He will drive world class processes and accountability throughout the finance organization, consistent with the strong position I have taken committing the entire company to full and accurate public reporting.” A Cleveland native, Kramer holds a bachelor of science in business administration degree in accounting from John Carroll University and is a Certified Public Accountant.