Paul Fitzhenry becomes Goodyear senior vice president, global communications

Paul Fitzhenry has been elected by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s board of directors as senior vice president of global communications, effective 8 October.

Fitzhenry will report to Richard J. Kramer, Goodyear’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. As chief communications officer, Fitzhenry will be responsible for leading Goodyear’s global communications strategy and aligning it with the company’s business objectives, global strategy, and corporate mission.

Fitzhenry, 53, joins Goodyear with more than 25 years experience in key communications roles in leading global companies. Since 2007, he has served as vice president of corporate communications with Tyco International – a $17 billion diversified global industrial company – leading internal and external communications, executive communications and brand strategy as well as Tyco’s global philanthropy and corporate responsibility programs.

Prior to joining Tyco, Fitzhenry spent 18 years in the global pharmaceutical industry in senior communications roles with Pfizer Inc, Pharmacia Corporation and The Upjohn Company based in the U.S., Canada and Europe. He began his career as a newspaper reporter in Canada and later worked for a Toronto-based public and government affairs consulting firm.

“Paul’s experience and proven effectiveness as a global communications leader will be a tremendous asset to Goodyear,” said Kramer. “We are looking forward to him leading our global communications effort to help drive the execution of our strategy.”

A native of Brampton, Ontario, Fitzhenry holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Western Ontario and a master’s degree in public relations from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Throughout his career, he has been active in industry associations and professional organizations including PhRMA, the Conference Board and PR Seminar. He currently serves as a National Trustee with Boys and Girls Club of America.