Goodyear Names New Latin America President

Goodyear has announced the appointment of Jaime Cohen Szulc as president of its Latin American region. Szulc will report directly to Goodyear's chairman-elect, chief executive officer and president Richard J. Kramer. Szulc succeeds Eduardo A. Fortunato, 57, who earlier this year announced his intention to retire at the end of 2010.

“We are delighted to welcome Jaime to our leadership team,” said Kramer. “His experience and leadership style are an ideal match for Goodyear and our Latin American business. He is a strong global executive skilled in both business strategy and operational excellence. Jaime is very market-focused and understands the importance of new product innovation in building both consumer excitement and our dealers’ businesses. I am confident that under his leadership we will continue to provide innovative solutions for our Latin American customers and grow our businesses together.”

Szulc has more than 20 years of international experience working with top consumer brands in companies such as Eastman Kodak, S.C. Johnson & Son and Procter & Gamble. For the past year Szulc served as senior vice president and global chief marketing officer for Levi Strauss. He has extensive operating experience which includes successfully running strategic business units in Latin America, North America and Europe, delivering growth and profit results in each.

A native Brazilian, who has lived and worked in the United States, Switzerland and Venezuela, Szulc holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Escola Politecnica de Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“I’m very excited to be joining Goodyear, one of the world’s most recognized brands, at a very exciting time in its history,” said Szulc.  “I look forward to leading our talented and highly engaged Latin American team as we continue to introduce superior products and solutions to energize our customers’ businesses.  I look forward to working with Eduardo as we transition over the next several months, and I welcome the opportunity to meet, listen to, and learn from our dealers who have done so much to champion the Goodyear brand over the years.”

Kramer concluded: “Under Jaime’s leadership, along with the ongoing commitment of our entire Latin American team we will continue to deliver excellent long-term results in the region. I also want to thank Eduardo for his outstanding 35-year career at Goodyear, and especially for his success in both developing and supporting our Latin American associates and dealers. He has been an outstanding business leader and valued member of the Goodyear team. He will be missed by all.”