And a New CEO for Goodyear South Pacific Tyre

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced the appointment of Judith Swales to the position of managing director and chief executive officer of its Australian-based South Pacific Tyres (SPT) business. Swales replaces Joe Copeland, who has been named vice president of Goodyear’s Global Off-Highway business based in Akron.

Swales, 39, was previously managing director of SPT retail, and in this role she initiated the modernisation of the company’s sales locations throughout Australia and New Zealand. Before joining SPT in January 2006, Swales served as managing director for the Australian bookstore chain Angus & Robertson. Prior to that, Swales held a number of executive positions at WH Smith plc, who acquired Angus & Robertson in 2001.

“Judith has demonstrated an exceptional understanding of what consumers expect in the way of service and support while overseeing our 500 company-owned Beaurepaires stores and franchised Goodyear Auto Service Centres,” said Pierre E. Cohade, president of Goodyear’s Asia-Pacific Region. “Judith’s contributions to date have been significant in positioning our company as the premier tyre provider in Australia and New Zealand. I am extremely confident that SPT will achieve further success in the future under her leadership.”

Copeland, 45, was named CEO of SPT in May 2005, and prior to this appointment he held the office of senior vice president of business development, strategy and restructuring and, before that, as president of Goodyear Chemical. Cohade added that “As Judith assumes her new duties, it is important to note the contributions that Joe has made to SPT over the past two years.…Joe has been at the helm through this important phase in SPT’s history and we are all grateful for his strong and reliable leadership.”