EU to Form Part of Larger Goodyear Strategic Business Unit

Executives at Akron have redrawn the borders on Goodyear’s global map, combining its European Union (EU) region with that of Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMA). The new grouping, to be known as Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), will be the manufacturer’s second largest geographic region and second largest, after North America, in terms of annual sales revenue. In 2006 the combined annual sales revenue for the two former regions was US$6.5 billion. The amalgamation of the two regions takes effect on February 1, 2008.

Goodyear chairman and CEO Robert J. Keegan, said: “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. This new organisation is structured to accelerate growth and maximise earnings through simplicity, speed and an intense focus on our customers and markets.”

Keegan announced the appointment of Arthur de Bok, formerly president, EU, as the president of the new strategic business unit. 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.

Mr. 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 joined the region in 2001 and had steered the business unit to healthy increases in turnover and profit. “Jarro has been one of the most successful business leaders in our company’s history,” Keegan said. “We will miss his contributions and wish him all the best in the next era of his life.”

Arthur De Bok was appointed to his current position in September 2005, having joined the company after a 13-year career with Procter & Gamble. De Bok holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in law from Erasmus University in the Netherlands. “Since becoming president of the EU organisation, Arthur has led a successful market driven approach to our businesses and has simplified the organisation,” commented Robert Keegan. “His proven leadership capabilities will be invaluable as he leads this newly integrated business into the future.”

Michel 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,” said De Bok. “His knowledge, people skills and experience will be invaluable as we integrate our businesses focusing intensely on our customers and our markets.” Robert Keegan added: “I have seen both Arthur and Michel develop rapidly over these past few years into outstanding businessmen and leaders. I am confident the new opportunities for both will continue their personal and professional development.”