Asia Pacific management changes at Goodyear

Goodyear has announced a number of key personnel changes in the Asia Pacific region. On March 1, Mike Martens took charge of the tyre maker’s Melbourne-based Australia and New Zealand business, replacing Judith Swales, who, according to Goodyear’s Asia Pacific president Pierre Cohade, has “decided to leave Goodyear to pursue her interest of holding non executive board positions in Australia.” The 25-year Goodyear veteran will continue his role as vice president of Asia Pacific OTR.

“We thank Judith and wish her well as she embarks on this new phase of her career,” commented Cohade. Swales joined Goodyear in 2005 as vice president of Retail in Australia before becoming managing director two years later. Pierre Cohade describes her time at Goodyear as being “instrumental” in turning the company’s Australia and New Zealand business around.

The transfer of Mike Martens “opens the door to two key talents for Goodyear China,” Cohade continues. Shanghai native Leslie Wong, currently vice president Consumer PBU, has taken over the cudgels for China as managing director. “Leslie, who had his best year to date in 2010, has been a key contributor to the China success story by building Goodyear’s sales and distribution capabilities,” the Asia Pacific president noted. Iain McDaniels has filled the position vacated by Wong.

Management changes have also taken places in India. P.K. Walia has been named vice president – Farm and Commercial for Goodyear India. He replaces Jatinder Gujral, who Cohade said will now be on “special assignment” until further announcement.  Walia, a 27-year Goodyear veteran who most recently held the Malaysia-based position of director of Supply Chain, ASEAN, will move to New Delhi for this role.  Pierre Cohade comments that Walia will “provide great value to the so important Farm and Commercial business.”