Rich to replace retiring Polhemus as Goodyear North American Tire president

AKRON (Nov. 20)—Jonathan D. Rich has been named president of Goodyear's North American Tire unit, effective Dec. 1, the Akron tire maker announced Nov. 20. Rich, 47, who currently heads the Goodyear Chemical division, will take over for John C. Polhemus, who is retiring after 33 years with the company. Rich joined the firm in 2000 and was elected president of Goodyear Chemical the following year. During his tenure as president, Rich led the chemical division's turnaround as the business restructured its operations, posted earnings and cash-flow increases and expanded into high-growth markets, Goodyear said. Polhemus, 58, has been North American Tire president since July 2000, previously serving as vice president of the Latin America region and several other posts abroad. Joseph Copeland, who has served as director of finance for Goodyear´s Engineered Products and Chemical divisions, will take Rich´s place as Goodyear Chemical president.