Goodyear names Szulc president of its Latin America region

ERJ staff report (TB)

Akron, Ohio -- Goodyear has appointed Jaime Cohen Szulc president of the company's Latin American business region.

Szulc, who will report directly to Goodyear's Chairman-elect, CEO and President Richard Kramer, succeeds Eduardo Fortunato, 57, who earlier this year announced his intention to retyre at year-end.

Kramer called Szulc's experience and leadership style “an ideal match for Goodyear and our Latin American business. He is a strong global executive skilled in both business strategy and operational excellence. Jaime is very market-focused and understands the importance of new product innovation in building both consumer excitement and our dealers' businesses.

“I am confident that under his leadership we will continue to provide innovative solutions for our Latin American customers and grow our businesses together.”

In a press release, Goodyear said Szulc, 48, is “a proven leader who has built a track record of outstanding results.” He has more than 20 years of international experience working with top consumer brands in companies including Eastman Kodak Co., S.C. Johnson & Son Inc. and Procter & Gamble Co.

For the past year Szulc served as senior vice president and global chief marketing officer for Levi Strauss and, according to Goodyear, has successfully run strategic business units in Latin America, North America and Europe, “delivering growth and profit results in each.”

A native Brazilian, he has lived and worked in the US, Switzerland and Venezuela and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Escola Politecnica de Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“I'm very excited to be joining Goodyear, one of the world's most recognised brands, at a very exciting time in its history,” Szulc said in a Goodyear statement. “I look forward to leading our talented and highly engaged Latin American team as we continue to introduce superior products and solutions to energise our customers' businesses. I look forward to working with Eduardo as we transition over the next several months, and I welcome the opportunity to meet, listen to, and learn from our dealers who have done so much to champion the Goodyear brand over the years.”

Kramer also thanked Fortunato “for his outstanding 35-year career at Goodyear, and especially for his success in both developing and supporting our Latin American associates and dealers. He has been an outstanding business leader and valued member of the Goodyear team. He will be missed by all.”

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Press release from Goodyear