Goodyear Names Robert O'Leary to Lead Global Communications

AKRON, Ohio, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced today that Robert J. O'Leary is joining the corporation as senior vice president, global communications, reporting to Sam Gibara, chairman and chief executive officer. O'Leary, 51, will be responsible for developing and executing a global communications strategy, leading Goodyear's global team of communications professionals.

O'Leary comes to Goodyear with an extensive background in public relations, brand management and corporate advertising for major multinational corporations. For four years until 2000 leading up to the merger with Exxon, he led the global communications function for Mobil Corporation as general manager of global public affairs reporting to the Chairman and CEO. O'Leary also served as vice president, public affairs and communications, for distilled spirits leader Bacardi Limited.

``Bob brings to Goodyear a wealth of experience in leading some of the most notable global communications programs in the corporate world,'' said Gibara. ``We look to Bob to put his skills and experience to work in delivering Goodyear's important messages to our external and internal constituencies around the world.''

``Goodyear is a name associated with excellence in the marketplace, a reputation built over decades by the people of Goodyear,'' said O'Leary. ``I am excited by the opportunity to communicate that proud heritage while also conveying the important changes that are taking place in the world of Goodyear today.''

Before Mobil and Bacardi, O'Leary spent the majority of his career in communications management in the technology sector. For seven years through 1995, he worked for Unisys Corporation where he was vice president of public relations and advertising. He spent the prior 11 years with IBM, overseeing a range of U.S. and international public relations and advertising programs. He began his career at United Technologies Corporation.

In 1994, O'Leary was named both one of the top 10 Marketing Executives of the Year and the Advertising Executive of the Year by two leading industry publications in recognition of his communications leadership in the high-tech industry.

A native of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, O'Leary is a graduate of Penn State University, where he is an Alumni Fellow and a member of its College of Communications Board of Visitors. He is a trustee of the Foundation for American Communications and a member of the executive committee of the bid group seeking to bring the 2012 Olympic Games to Washington, DC.