The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. announced that Christopher Helsel has been named vice president and chief technology officer (CTO), effective Sept. 1. Helsel currently serves as director, North America commercial and global off-highway technology, and brings a wealth of experience in key research and development, technology and business roles in Goodyear.
“While technological leadership has always been at the core of our company, at no time in our 119-year history have we seen the pace of change progress as rapidly and profoundly as we are currently experiencing,” said Richard Kramer, chairman, CEO and president.
“As traditional tire innovation and design become increasingly complex, our products and services also are becoming an integral part of the connected car, operating in a new emerging mobility ecosystem. In that environment, Chris’s deep tire industry experience, his track record of driving change and delivering results in challenging assignments along with his curiosity and passion to win are a perfect combination to drive Goodyear’s innovation in our changing industry.”
Helsel, 52, joined Goodyear in 1996 and spent the early years of his career working in a series of roles of increasing responsibility in computer modeling, tire design and technology for consumer, commercial and racing tires. In 2010, he was named a global director, overseeing development of technology for consumer and commercial truck tires before relocating to Goodyear’s Innovation Center in Luxembourg as director of technology programs. He went on to lead the company’s commercial truck tire retread business in North America prior to assuming his current role earlier this year.
Helsel earned his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Cleveland State University and his master’s in the same discipline from The University of Akron.
