Azko Nobel exec to lead Goodyear EMEA operations

Akron, Ohio – Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has appointed Jan-Piet van Kesteren as managing director Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) & chief sales officer EMEA consumer, with effect from 1 Sept.

Van Kesteren brings more than 20 years of international commercial leadership experience across industrial and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors, said the 13 Aug announcement.

According to his social media file, Van Kesteren is managing director, decorative paints, EMEA at AkzoNobel and sits on its executive committee – having joined the Dutch group in 2014, following an extensive sales & marketing career at Unilever.

Van Kesteren's “track record of leading large-scale businesses, developing high-performing teams and delivering strong commercial outcomes makes him a great fit for Goodyear," CEO and president  Mark Stewart said in the Goodyear statement.

His remit will be to lead Goodyear's consumer business in EMEA region: “driving sales execution, delivering profitable growth and advancing the company's global strategy and objectives.”