---

French-American Chamber of Commerce Names Goodyear Chairman Exec of the Year

19 May 1999

French-American Chamber of Commerce Names Goodyear Chairman Executive of the Year

    AKRON, Ohio, May 19 -- Samir G. Gibara, chairman and chief
executive officer of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, has been named
Executive of the Year by the French-American Chamber of Commerce in Chicago.
    He will be honored tonight at the organization's Sixth Annual Nuit des
Etoiles (Night of the Stars) in the Grand Ballroom of the Chicago Hilton and
Towers.
    According to Michel Gilbert, FACC executive director, the award recognizes
executives "with proven leadership and success in business both in France and
the United States, integrating both cultures in a global development strategy.
This award is not only a recognition of personal achievement, but also a
commendation of the company's success."
    Goodyear's chairman since 1996, Gibara worked in the company's French
operations for 16 years, 10 of those as president of Goodyear France.
    "It is truly an honor to be recognized by such a distinguished
organization," Gibara said.
    "As this award is given to acknowledge dedication and perseverance, I will
accept it on behalf of all Goodyear associates around the world.  They are the
reason for Goodyear's success for over a century and they are responsible for
our progress during my watch as chairman," he added.
    Goodyear has marketed tires in France since 1900 and built its first plant
there, in Amiens, in 1959.  Today, the company has more than 2,000 associates
in France.  Goodyear operates a chemicals plant in Le Havre, a research center
in Orsay, a training center in Bonneuil, a tire test track in Mireval and
several regional offices and distribution centers in major cities.
    North America's largest tiremaker, Goodyear is the second largest in
France.  The company expects to regain its position as the world's largest
tiremaker when a strategic global alliance with Japan's Sumitomo Rubber
Industries Ltd. is completed later this year.  Sumitomo owns Dunlop tire
operations in the United States, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

    Previous Executive of the Year honorees include:

    *  1998 -- Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, president of Chateau Mouton
       Rothschild;
    *  1997 -- John Bryan, chairman and CEO of Sara Lee Corporation;
    *  1996 -- Jean-Pierre Rosso, chairman, CEO and president of Case
       Corporation;
    *  1995 -- Didier Varlet, president and CEO of Indosuez Carr Futures;
    *  1994 -- Francois Castaing, vice president of vehicle engineering,
       Chrysler Corporation;
       and
    *  1993 -- Charles Denny, president and CEO of Square D/Groupe Schneider
       North America.