Lawrence D. Mason Named President, Goodyear Consumer Tires

AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 8, 2003 -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has named Lawrence D. Mason to the newly created position of president, consumer tires, in its North American Tire division. Mason will lead and direct all North American business activities for the consumer tire unit, with responsibility for sales to dealers, distributors, mass retailers, company-owned outlets and original equipment vehicle manufacturers.

"Larry Mason is a proven business leader with outstanding achievements in developing and implementing customer-driven business plans and processes. He brings a high level of commitment and expertise to contribute to our turnaround plan," said Jon Rich, Goodyear's president of North American Tire. "In addition to a strong customer focus, he adds exceptional strategic planning and consumer marketing skills to our team."

Mason's appointment is effective Oct. 13. He will report directly to Rich.

Mason, 43, joins Goodyear from Huhtamaki -- Americas, where he served as president of North American Foodservice and Retail Consumer Products.

Previously, during a 19-year career at Proctor & Gamble Company, he held a variety of leadership positions in sales and brand management, including director, Wal-Mart/USA Customer Team.

Mason holds a bachelor's degree in business management from North Carolina State University. He and his wife, Kristen, have six children.