Goodyear forms N. Asia business unit

Tire Business staff report

Shanghai, China -- Goodyear has formed a North Asia business unit, covering China, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan, in a bid to improve customer service to customers there.

Michael Martens, managing director of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan and Asia Pacific off-the-road tyres, will head the cluster as managing director as well as serve as the newly apponited chairman and president of Goodyear China.

“This new North Asian cluster will build on Goodyear's momentum and strengthen our market position by realigning our resources to better serve our customers,” said Pierre Cohade, president of Goodyear's Asia Pacific region.

Goodyear did not quantify the new region's sales or earnings. The firm's Asia Pacific division generates about $1600 million (Euro 1100 million) in annual sales, or roughly 8.5 percent of the firm's global revenue.

Martens brings 23 years' experience in finance and general management careers in North America, Latin America and Asia.

Goodyear also announced that Goodyear China Chairman and President John Tseng retired Feb. 1 after nearly three years as head of that unit. Tseng came to Goodyear in March 2005 from Eastman Kodak Co.

“Under John's leadership, Goodyear China has seen a rapid expansion of its nearly 800-strong branded retail network, a successful Goodyear blimp campaign, and numerous awards and recognitions,” Mr. Cohade said. “His contributions will have a positive impact on Goodyear China for years to come.”

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)