Delaney to lead Goodyear’s Asia Pacific business, Smytka moving to new leadership role

After four years at the helm of Goodyear Tire & Rubber’s Asia Pacific business unit, Daniel L. Smytka has been earmarked for another leadership role within the company. He will be succeeded as president of the Asia Pacific region business by Chris Delaney, who joins Goodyear today. Delaney will assume full responsibility for the business on 1 January 2016; Smytka will work closely with Delaney on the transition before moving to his new position, in which he will report directly to Goodyear chairman and chief executive officer Richard J. Kramer.

Delaney comes to Goodyear with more than 30 years of global leadership experience in Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and the Middle East. For the past four years, he was CEO of Goodman Fielder Limited, the largest public food company in Australia and New Zealand. “We are pleased to welcome Chris to Goodyear in this important role,” said Kramer. “He is a proven leader who has spent extensive time in the Asia Pacific region during his career and joins us at a critical time as we drive for growth amid challenging economic conditions in the region.”

The president-elect’s career includes 20 years in positions of increasing responsibility at The Procter & Gamble Company. He worked in sales and business development in both North America and Europe before becoming vice-president and general manager, first in the Middle East and then in North America. Delaney then spent seven years at Campbell Soup Company, first leading international sales before becoming president, emerging markets and later president, Asia Pacific.

Smytka has played key roles in Goodyear’s Asia Pacific business since joining the company in 2008. As the head of the consumer tyre business, he led the introductions of new products, increased brand value and oversaw the expansion of Goodyear’s retail presence in the region, especially China. He was named Asia Pacific region president in November 2011 after serving as project leader overseeing construction and start-up of the company’s new manufacturing plant in Pulandian, China. Smytka also launched Goodyear China’s entry in the commercial truck tyre segment and played a pivotal role in establishing a new China Development Center to enhance the company’s service with vehicle manufacturers there.

“I would like to thank Dan for his leadership and his contributions to our success in the Asia Pacific region for the past seven years,” said Kramer. “He deserves much of the credit for our performance in the region since 2008. Dan is a valued member of my leadership team, and I look forward to his continued contributions.”