Goodyear Dunlop announces new strategic appointments

ERJ staff report (LMH)

Brussels - Goodyear Dunlop has announced two new senior appointments within its Europe, Middle East and Africa tyre business unit.

Michel Rzonzef (48) has been appointed vice president of Goodyear Dunlop's Commercial Sales and Marketing business unit for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). In this role, he will be responsible for driving a single aligned strategy and operating plan for commercial vehicle tyres across the EMEA region.

Henry Johnson (53), who was previously responsible for the Commercial Product business unit, has been appointed vice president Emerging Markets. In his new role, he will lead the strategic growth and development of the company's complete product range in South Africa, Turkey, Middle East, Russia and the Nordic countries.

Prior to the new appointment, Michel Rzonzef was president of the Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Company's business in Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Michel Rzonzef joined Goodyear in 1987 as a tyre test management engineer. He held various positions at the Goodyear Innovation Centre in Luxembourg before joining the European regional marketing group. After becoming sales manager for Goodyear Dunlop in south eastern Europe, he was appointed general manager of the company's operations in central Europe. In 2002, he became director of sales and marketing for the Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

Rzonzef holds a degree in electro-mechanical engineering from the University of Liege, Belgium.

Henry Johnson joined Goodyear in the UK. He was responsible for East European markets until 1987 when his international career started. At that time he became area manager for Finland and subsequently held managerial roles in Sweden and Norway. In 1995 he became general manager for Switzerland and Austria. Further career steps were director of sales and marketing for Consumer Tyres and director of sales and marketing for both Europe and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.

"These new senior appointments are part of our efforts to further build organisational excellence”, said Arthur de Bok, EMEA President, Goodyear Dunlop Europe. “The potential of the emerging markets is enormous and requires specific attention. The same applies to the commercial tyre business which is a key pillar or our future success. I am confident that the two new leaders will enable us to address future challenges even more successfully."

Press release from Goodyear Dunlop