Kramer Takes Over as Goodyear President and CEO

Former COO Richard J. Kramer has taken over as president and chief executive officer of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Kramer, who becomes the 19th president since the company’s foundation in 1898, follows Robert J. Keegan who remains with the company as executive chairman.

Speaking at Goodyear’s 2010 Annual Shareholder Meeting, Kramer described the tyre industry as one of very few industries that has been and remains a growth industry after more than 100 years: “I am privileged to lead a team whose dedication to Goodyear and commitment to success is second to none,” he said, thanking Keegan and the board of directors for their confidence in electing him to lead the company.

“When I think about the true measure of Bob’s leadership and the resulting success since he became CEO, I ask myself two questions: Is Goodyear in better shape today as a company? And, is Goodyear better positioned for the future? The answer to both of those questions is an unequivocal yes.” Kramer described Keegan as “a passionate competitor whose contributions as CEO have helped reshape an entire industry.”

Kramer previously served Goodyear as its chief operating officer since June 2009 and spent three years leading the company’s North American Tire business with a focus on customers and new product and process innovation. Prior to that, he spent three years as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Kramer joined Goodyear as vice president of corporate finance in 2000. He was named senior vice president of strategy in 2003 where he began developing Goodyear’s strategy with Keegan. Prior to joining Goodyear, Kramer spent 13 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP where he served in a variety of roles in the United States and Europe, ultimately as partner. A Cleveland native, Kramer has a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from John Carroll University.

Keegan joined Goodyear in 2000 as chief operating officer. He became president and chief executive officer in January 2003 and chairman of the board in July of that same year. Prior to Goodyear, Keegan was an executive vice president of the Eastman Kodak Company. Aside from a two-year stint as an executive vice president for the Avery Dennison Corporation, Keegan spent the bulk of his career from 1972 to 2000 serving in various financial, marketing and operating positions at Eastman Kodak.

Goodyear’s past presidents and CEOs: