Dec. 2, 2015—On Tuesday, the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced that it will combine its North America and Latin America businesses into one Americas business unit, effect Jan. 1.
"While the two former regions approach their markets differently, there also are many increasing similarities, especially the growth of high-value-added tires," said Goodyear chairman and CEO Richard J. Kramer. "This new organization is structured to accelerate growth and maximize earnings over time through simplicity, speed, and an intense focus on our customers and markets."
All manufacturing plants in the combined region will be leveraged to serve all customers in Mexico, Latin America and North America.
"We believe that combining our North America and Latin America operations into a single business unit will allow us to become a better partner and supplier to customers and consumers," said Kramer. "We are excited about the opportunities to operate more efficiently and better manage the increasing complexity of the tire industry. This will enhance our ability to deliver more of our high-value-added tires to the customers and consumers who are demanding them most."
The Americas business will be led by Stephen R. McClellan, currently president of Goodyear’s North America business. Current vice president of global manufacturing, Marcelo Toscani, will serve as president of the company’s Latin America operations and report to McClellan.
