AKRON, OH -- Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has appointed Richard Noechel as vice president and corporate controller, replacing Thomas Connell, who in turn was named vice president and chief information officer.

Noechel, 39, had been CFO of Goodyear's South Pacific Tyre subsidiary in Australia since 2006. He began his career with Goodyear in 2004, serving as assistant controller at the company's corporate headquarters in Akron, OH. Prior to joining Goodyear, Noechel held various positions with The Kmart Corp., DaimlerChrysler and Price Waterhouse LLP. Noechel received his degree in accounting from Michigan State University in 1991. He is a Certified Public Accountant.

"During Rick's tenure at Goodyear and, prior to that, with Kmart, he demonstrated strong leadership and proficiency in controllership skills and a keen eye for financial details and analysis. He will be a great asset to the company in the corporate controller position," said Goodyear CFO Mark Schmitz.

Connell, 59, had been vice president and controller for Goodyear since 2003. Prior to that, he held various positions with TRW Inc. and the accounting firm Ernst & Whinney. Connell earned a bachelor of business administration in accounting and a master of business administration degree from John Carroll University. He is a Certified Public Accountant.

"As controller, Tom led Goodyear through a critical period in which he created and then led a world-class controllership team. These strong leadership and organizational skills are both necessary traits as we look to enhance the business focus and functional capabilities within our IT organization," Schmitz said.

Connell replaces Stephanie Wernet, who has been CIO since 2003. An announcement regarding Wernet's new assignment will be forthcoming. (Courtesy of Tire Review)