Cooper Names Ron Shield as Interim VP, Asian Operations

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has named Ron Shield as interim vice president and general manager for the company’s Asian Operations. A 20-year employee, Shield joined the company’s Avon Tyre organization as a tyre consultant with responsibility for establishing a Pakistan operation. Through the years Shield held various management positions including business development director, with responsibilities for logistics, supply chain, international business development, information technology and new product introduction. In 2001, he was named vice president, European Operations, and managing director for Cooper Tire Europe, with responsibility for the entire European operation.

“Ron Shield’s success in Europe, as well as his extensive international experience, make him well-qualified to manage and continue the success of our Asian footprint,” said Hal Miller, president, International Tire Division.

Shield earned a degree in chemistry from Newcastle University and a master’s in business administration from Bath University. He is also a graduate of Cooper’s Notre Dame Executive Leadership Development Program. Prior to joining Cooper, Shield’s experience included 21 years in various technical and manufacturing positions at two Europe-based tyre companies.

The interim vice president replaces Cooper Asia Pacific President Gene Arnold, who retires May 31. As head of Cooper’s Asian Operations, Arnold helped negotiate the company’s outsourcing relationship with Hongzhou; was instrumental in formulating the joint venture relationship with Kenda; oversaw construction of the first plant in China; set up Cooper’s Asian Trading Company for selling Cooper brands in China; and played an active role in the company’s acquisition of majority ownership in Cooper Chengshan, China’s third-largest tyre manufacturer. All these activities set the stage for Cooper to be more competitive around the globe and to capitalize on the growing market for tyres in China.