Smithers Names Polovick VP Human Resources

Michael J. Polovick has joined The Smithers Group based in Akron as vice president of human resources, a newly created position, responsible for overseeing HR activities at all of the Group’s member companies worldwide. Polovick brings more than 30 years’ experience as an HR professional.

“Michael is a perfect fit for our multi-disciplined organization,” said Michael Hochschwender, president and CEO of The Smithers Group. “The diversity of experience has allowed him to develop an in-depth understanding of critical business elements and the importance of proactively addressing human capital issues.

Polovick held management positions in HR and labour relations with Bridgestone Firestone in Des Moines, Iowa, Memphis, Tennessee and Akron; Pirelli Armstrong in New Haven, Connecticut; Continental Tire North America in Charlotte, N.C., and most recently Airgas Great Lakes, formerly Linde Gas, in Cleveland, Ohio prior to joining Smithers.