The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has named Joseph Copeland CEO of South Pacific Tyres, the company's 50%-owned joint venture in Australia.
Copeland, 43, had been Goodyear's senior vice president of business development strategy and restructuring since November 2004. He also was president of the company's former chemical business for two years prior to that. He joined Goodyear in August 2000.
Before joining Goodyear, Copeland served in management roles at Ford Motor Co. and Intel Corp.
"I'm glad that Joe has agreed to lead South Pacific Tyres through this important stage of its turnaround," says Goodyear Chairman and CEO Robert Keegan. "His experience, leadership capabilities and track record of success make him ideally suited for this assignment."
Copeland will report to the South Pacific Tyres board of directors. In addition, he will report to Pierre Cohade, president of Goodyear's Asia/Pacific tire business, "for the purpose of coordination between Goodyear and South Pacific Tyres operations."
Darren Wells, currently vice president and treasurer, has been named senior vice president, business development and treasurer. He will continue to report to Richard Kramer, executive vice president and chief financial officer.
In addition to continuing his role as treasurer, Wells will assume Copeland's business development responsibilities as well as additional oversight responsibilities for the investor relations and tax functions.
"Darren's expanded leadership role will provide significant synergies for our capital markets and business development activities," says Kramer.
Wells, 39, joined Goodyear in 2002 from Visteon Corp.
