AKRON, OHIO -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has appointed Laura Thompson vice president of business development reporting to Darren Wells, senior vice president of business development and treasurer. The move was effective June 1.

"In her new role, Laura will be responsible for the company's acquisition, divestiture and partnership activities in supporting Goodyear's long-term strategies," said Wells. "In her previous position at director of business development for North American Tire, she was the lead player in key business development transactions."

Thompson is a 21-year Goodyear associate with a diverse background in the company. She started her career with Goodyear working part time while finishing her undergraduate degree in accounting from The University of Akron. She served in various financial and accounting staff positions both in business units and corporate staff until being named manager of finance for Research and Development in 1997.

In January 2000, she was named director of investor relations and served in that capacity for two years. She became finance director for consumer tires in North America in December 2002, and was promoted into the business development position the following December.

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