Cathryn Fischer, vice president and chief marketing officer for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., will leave Goodyear on Oct. 3. She cited issues of work/life balance as the reason for her departure.
Her resignation should not be viewed as a change in Goodyear's market-driven focus, says Chairman, CEO and President Bob Keegan.
"The work that she has done over the past two years-plus helped set the stage for many initiatives that will continue to support the company's turnaround efforts."
Under Fischer's leadership, Goodyear established some major marketing initiatives, according to Keegan:
* an integrated product planning process;
* globally coordinated brand strategy;
* an increased emphasis on consumer marketing, including strenghtening the regional marketing organizations.
The position of chief marketing officer will not be replaced as part of a restructuring of global marketing.
"It was a difficult personal decision," says Fischer. "I feel very strongly about the company and the people here, as well as the direction that Goodyear is headed. And I feel strongly about the capabilities of the people in place to carry forward our market-driven focus."
