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Goodyear Board Elects Three VPs in High-Tech Fields

19 May 1998

Goodyear Board Elects Three VPs in High-Tech Fields

    AKRON, Ohio, May 19 -- Three high-technology disciplines
within Goodyear's global operations were strengthened today when the company's
Board of Directors voted to elevate three vice presidents to elected officers.
    "Goodyear's growth strategy is deeply rooted in the company's technical
strengths and the leadership capabilities of its associates," Chairman and
Chief Executive Samir G. Gibara said.  "Over the past few years, Goodyear has
substantially stepped up its investments in technology.  These investments,
coupled with progressive leadership, will make a difference and be a major
discriminator between Goodyear and its global competitors in the medium- and
long-term."
    Elected corporate vice presidents are Debra M. Walker, vice president,
information technology and chief information officer; Kenneth B. Kleckner,
vice president, process engineering; and William M. Hopkins, vice president,
worldwide tire technology.
    "Deb Walker is responsible for developing a global information technology
strategy and architecture built around business-driven processes that are
linked with Goodyear's business, technical and functional units worldwide,"
Gibara said.
    "K.B. Kleckner is instrumental in ensuring that our manufacturing and
engineering processes remain state-of-the-art technology and result in
products that exceed world-class standards," Gibara said.  "Our engineering
group also is working to share technology and best practices with
manufacturing operations brought into the company through joint ventures and
acquisitions.
    "Under Bill Hopkins' leadership, the company is increasing its technical
capabilities to improve cycle time, innovative product introductions and
world-class services to our global original equipment customers."
    Walker joined Goodyear as a senior business analyst in 1979, shortly after
earning a master's degree in advertising from Michigan State University.  She
became manager of marketing strategies for Europe based in Belgium and
subsequently held a variety of posts, including general marketing manager -
retail, and vice president of retail stores for North American Tires.  Walker
was appointed vice president and chief information officer in April, 1997.
    Kleckner earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the
University of Illinois prior to joining Goodyear in 1971 as a mechanical
engineer.  After post-graduate work at the University of Tennessee, he gained
international experience, holding engineering and management positions in
Great Britain and Latin America.  Kleckner served as plant manager in Napanee,
Ontario and Lawton, Okla., and was vice president of manufacturing and
operations for Goodyear's Kelly-Springfield division in Cumberland, Md.  He
was appointed corporate vice president, engineering, in June 1997.
    Hopkins joined the company's training squadron in 1967 after earning a
bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Wyoming.
After becoming chief engineer, he was manager, radial race tire engineering at
the Akron and Luxembourg plants; manager of light truck tire programs; general
manager of multi-purpose vehicles and specialty tires; and director, tire
technology for North American Tire.  He was appointed vice president,
worldwide tire technology on May 1.