Joseph Copeland to Lead Business Development, Strategy and Restructuring for Goodyear

AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 4, 2004 -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced today that Joseph Copeland, formerly president of the company's chemical business, has been named senior vice president of business development, strategy and restructuring for Goodyear. The new appointment combines the business development responsibilities previously led by Rick Navarro, as well as the strategic and restructuring initiatives that were part of the previous assignment of Chief Financial Officer Richard Kramer.

"In prior assignments with the company, Joe has displayed unique leadership capabilities that have resulted in excellent overall performance as well as a clear understanding of elements that will form the core of strategy going forward," said Goodyear Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Keegan. "I have complete confidence in Joe's capabilities to help us drive the company's turnaround in his new capacity."

Keegan said in addition to the considerable skills and experiences Copeland brings to the newly created position, the consolidation of business development and strategy will result in net cost savings for the company. Navarro, who implemented a comprehensive review process for business portfolio analysis, now has been assigned to work on special strategic projects reporting to Keegan.

Copeland, 43, served as the director of finance for both the Engineered Products and Chemical divisions of Goodyear. Prior to those assignments, he held senior positions in both technical services and e-commerce for the company's Chemical Division and North American Tire unit, respectively. Copeland joined Goodyear in August 2000.

Before joining Goodyear, Copeland served in important management roles at Ford Motor Company and Intel Corporation. While at Ford, between 1995 and 1997, Copeland served on the team that introduced the new and successful Jaguar S-Type to the company's luxury vehicle line. He also helped structure Ford's entry into the Indian market through the creation of a joint venture. At Intel from 1997 to 2000, Copeland was senior finance manager for its e- commerce and Internet marketing group, where he helped develop the strategy for the company's entry into the channel.

Prior to his corporation experience, Copeland practiced corporate law in Washington, D.C., from 1988 to 1993. He received his undergraduate degree in 1983 and his law degree in 1988, both from Baylor University. He received his MBA in 1995 from the University of Chicago.

Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, Goodyear manufactures tires, engineered rubber products and chemicals in more than 80 facilities in 28 countries. It has marketing operations in almost every country around the world. Goodyear employs about 85,000 people worldwide.