New leader for Goodyear's Asia Pacific unit

Aug. 24, 2015

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has named Chris Delaney president-elect of its Asia Pacific business unit. He joins the company on Aug. 24, 2015, and assumes full responsibility for the business on Jan. 1, 2016.

Delaney comes to Goodyear with more than 30 years of global leadership experience in Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and the Middle East. For the past four years, he was the CEO of Goodman Fielder Limited, the largest public food company in Australia and New Zealand.

“We are pleased to welcome Chris to Goodyear in this important role,” says Kramer. “He is a proven leader who has spent extensive time in the Asia Pacific region during his career and joins us at a critical time as we drive for growth amid challenging economic conditions in the region.”

Delaney’s career includes 20 years in positions of increasing responsibility at Procter & Gamble Co. He worked in sales and business development in both North America and Europe before becoming vice president and general manager, first in the Middle East and then in North America. Delaney then spent seven years at Campbell Soup Co., first leading international sales before becoming president, emerging markets and later president, Asia Pacific.

Daniel Smytka, president of the company’s Asia Pacific business since 2011, will work closely with Delaney on the transition before moving to another leadership role reporting to Goodyear Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Kramer.

Smytka has played key roles in Goodyear’s Asia Pacific business since joining the company in 2008. Goodyear says that as the head of the consumer tire business, Smytka led the introductions of new products, increased brand value and oversaw the expansion of the company’s retail presence in the region, especially China. He was named Asia Pacific region president in November 2011 after serving as project leader overseeing construction and start-up of the company’s new, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Pulandian, China.

Smytka also launched Goodyear China’s entry in the commercial truck tire segment and played a pivotal role in establishing a new China Development Center to enhance the company’s service with vehicle manufacturers there.

Delaney is the second person to join Goodyear's executive ranks in a week. For details read, "Goodyear names new treasurer."