Goodyear appoints CTO Helsel to global operations role

Akron, Ohio – Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has appointed Christopher Helsel as senior vice president, global operations and chief technology officer. 

He succeeds Jonathan Bellissimo, who is retiring after a Goodyear career spanning four decades, said the 25 Feb announcement.

Helsel, who joined Goodyear in 1996, is currently senior vice president and chief technology officer at Goodyear, a role he has held since 2018.

He was previously director of technology programmes at Goodyear’s ‘innovation center’ in Luxembourg before serving as director, North America commercial and global off-highway technology at Goodyear.

As chief technology officer, Helsel led Goodyear’s technology and innovation development, especially in the growing area of new mobility. 

He earned an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Cleveland State University and his Master’s in the same discipline from the University of Akron.

Helsel’s “broad range of experiences leading product innovation, technology and product industrialisation make him ideal to lead Goodyear’s global operations and technology organisation,” said Richard Kramer, chairman, CEO and president. 

“His willingness to promote new thinking and challenge the status quo will serve our technology and manufacturing efforts well as we take Goodyear into the next stage of leadership in a hyper-competitive industry,” added Kramer.