Goodyear names Hopkins v.p., technology and strategic initiatives

Feb. 7, 2006

William Hopkins, formerly Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'s vice president global product marketing and technology planning, has been named to the new position of vice president, technology and strategic initiatives.

In his new role, Hopkins will be responsible for global strategic initiatives, tire engineering, materials, performance prediction and global vehicle systems. He will continue to report to Joseph Gingo, executive vice president, quality systems and chief technical officer.

Hopkins, 61, joined Goodyear as an engineering trainee in 1967. He later became a tire designer and, in 1973, chief engineer for passenger tires. In 1978, he was named chief engineer for international auto tire development at Goodyear's Luxembourg Technical Center.

Four years later, he returned to Akron, where he led the company's radial race tire development program. In 1986, he became manager of light truck tire engineering. Hopkins was named marketing manager for light truck tires in 1990 and general manager in 1991. In 1993, he became general manager for multi-purpose vehicle and specialty tires.

In 1996, Hopkins was named director of tire technology for North America. In 1998, he was elected vice president, worldwide tire technology. He was elected to his most recent position in 1999.

Hopkins holds 26 patents for tire developments.