Goodyear changes leadership in Asia Pacific unit

Akron, Ohio - Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has appointed Chris Delaney as president-elect of its Asia Pacific business unit, the company announced 20 Aug.

Delaney will join the company on 24 Aug and assume full responsibility for the business on 1 Jan 2016.

Daniel Smytka, president of the company’s Asia Pacific business since 2011, will work with Delaney on the transition before moving to another leadership role reporting to Goodyear chairman and CEO Richard Kramer.

Delaney comes to Goodyear with more than 30 years of global leadership experience in Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and the Middle East. For the past four years, he was the CEO of Goodman Fielder Ltd, the largest public food company in Australia and New Zealand.

“Chris is a proven leader who has spent extensive time in the Asia Pacific region during his career and joins us at a critical time as we drive for growth amid challenging economic conditions in the region,” said Kramer welcoming Delaney to his new position.

Smytka joined Goodyear in 2008. He was named Asia Pacific region president in November 2011 after serving as project leader overseeing construction and start-up of the company’s new manufacturing plant in Pulandian, China.

Smytka also launched Goodyear China’s entry in the commercial truck tire segment and played a pivotal role in establishing a new China development centre to enhance the company’s service with vehicle manufacturers there.