Joseph Copeland to Lead Business Development, Strategy and Restructuring for Goodyear

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. announced yesterday that Joseph Copeland, formerly president of the company's chemical business, has been named senior vice president of business development, strategy and restructuring for Goodyear. The new appointment combines the business development responsibilities previously led by Rick Navarro, as well as the strategic and restructuring initiatives that were part of the previous assignment of CFO Richard Kramer.

AKRON, OH — Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. announced yesterday that Joseph Copeland, formerly president of the company’s chemical business, has been named senior vice president of business development, strategy and restructuring for Goodyear. The new appointment combines the business development responsibilities previously led by Rick Navarro, as well as the strategic and restructuring initiatives that were part of the previous assignment of CFO Richard Kramer.

Copeland previously served as the director of finance for both the Engineered Products and Chemical divisions of Goodyear. Prior to those assignments, he held senior positions in both technical services and e-commerce for the company’s Chemical Division and North American Tire unit, respectively. Copeland joined Goodyear in August 2000.

“In prior assignments with the company, Joe has displayed unique leadership capabilities that have resulted in excellent overall performance as well as a clear understanding of elements that will form the core of strategy going forward,” said Goodyear Chairman and CEO Robert Keegan. “I have complete confidence in Joe’s capabilities to help us drive the company’s turnaround in his new capacity.”

In addition, Keegan said the consolidation of business development and strategy will result in net cost savings for the company. Navarro, who implemented a comprehensive review process for business portfolio analysis, now has been assigned to work on special strategic projects reporting to Keegan.

Before joining Goodyear, Copeland served in management roles at Ford Motor Co. and Intel Corp. While at Ford, between 1995 and 1997, Copeland served on the team that introduced the new and successful Jaguar S-Type to the company’s luxury vehicle line. He also helped structure Ford’s entry into the Indian market through the creation of a joint venture. At Intel from 1997 to 2000, Copeland was senior finance manager for its e- commerce and Internet marketing group, where he helped develop the strategy for the company’s entry into the channel.

For more information about Goodyear, go to: www.goodyear.com.

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