Goodyear Selects Business Leader to Head Global Sourcing Efforts; Chris Clark Brings Business, Market Success from Latin America, Asia

AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 3, 2003 -- In an innovative move to continue to improve the effectiveness of its global product sourcing and drive process change, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has named Chris W. Clark, 52, to head a new organization that links all of its global manufacturing and supply chain activities directly to improved customer service and business results.

Previously president of Goodyear's Latin America region, Clark has been named to the newly created position of senior vice president of global sourcing, and will be responsible for all activities from procurement to manufacturing to global sourcing.

According to Robert J. Keegan, Goodyear's chairman and chief executive officer: "Chris has done a tremendous job in leading the turnaround of our Latin America business. His team has delivered excellent financial and market results. He's an experienced operating executive with a strong financial background. Chris brings to his new assignment the unique perspective of a proven business leader with the ability to drive changes in key processes, cost efficiency and strategic thinking."

Clark's appointment comes as John G. Loulan, 57, previously senior vice president of global product supply announced his retirement after 35 years of service.

"This is a fundamental change for our company," said Keegan. "It will allow us to build on the strategic initiatives already in place in manufacturing. It also represents a critical step toward support of our market driven approach as a company."

Keegan said that Clark's leadership would be critical in driving process change in manufacturing, global sourcing, process technology, quality performance and purchasing, and is at the heart of Goodyear's turnaround efforts.

A graduate of Ohio University, Clark joined Goodyear in 1973 as a management trainee in Akron, and held financial director positions in Guatemala, Indonesia, Australia, Venezuela and Brazil from 1980 to 1993. He was named director of finance for Latin America in 1993, and managing director of Goodyear Indonesia in 1996. Prior to being elected president of the Latin America region in 2000, he was managing director of Brazil.

A replacement for Clark in the Latin America region will be announced on Nov. 4.

Goodyear is the world's largest tire company. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, the company manufactures tires, engineered rubber products and chemicals in more than 85 facilities in 28 countries. It has marketing operations in almost every country around the world. Goodyear employs about 92,000 people worldwide.