Dan Smytka to replace Pierre Cohade as head of Goodyear Asia Pacific business

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has appointed Daniel L. Smytka as president of the company’s Asia Pacific business. He replaces Pierre Cohade who has decided to leave Goodyear and move to a new opportunity that will be announced at a later date. Cohade will remain with the company through the end of the year to assist with the transition.

Smytka, who has more than 25 years of leadership experience, takes the role after successfully running Goodyear's Asia consumer business and subsequently leading the relocation and expansion of the company’s factory in China.

“Dan is a strong and talented business professional and the ideal leader to take our Asia business to the next level of performance,” said Richard J. Kramer, Goodyear’s chairman, president and CEO.  “Not only does he know the tyre industry, he has experience in almost every aspect of Goodyear’s operations and brings with him a track record of outstanding leadership performance.  The sum of Dan’s experiences will make him an effective leader in a region that is pivotal to Goodyear’s success.”

Kramer expressed appreciation for Cohade’s contributions to Goodyear’s growth in Asia. “Success in the Asia Pacific region, especially in China, is critical to reaching our long-term goals. During Pierre’s seven years, we have made significant progress in the region and are well-positioned for further growth. We appreciate Pierre’s leadership and thank him for his many contributions at Goodyear.”

Smytka, 49, joined Goodyear in 2008 as vice president of the consumer tyre business in the company’s Asia Pacific region. Previously, his career spanned nearly 20 years of progressively larger operational, consumer and commercial business leadership roles with General Electric.  While at GE, Smytka spent three years in China, including serving as president of GE’s consumer and industrial business for the Asia Pacific region.  Smytka worked at United Technologies Corporation immediately prior to joining Goodyear.

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