AKRON—Goodyear's North American Tire business has shown solid improvement is the first six months of 2011 and Stephen R. McClellan, the unit's new president, is looking for more of the same in the second half.
McClellan, who was named to the top spot in mid-August, said the operation has great momentum going for it after delivering strong results in each of the first two quarters.
“This is a great time for the NAT business,” he said, and it has “great products, talented people building them and selling them, and consumers who see their value.”
He took over the presidency of North American Tire following the recent departure of Curt Andersson, who left Goodyear to pursue “other professional interests,” according to the company. During Andersson's tenure, “we have continued our progress toward returning North American Tire to sustainable profitability,” said Richard J. Kramer, the tire maker's chairman, president and CEO.
Andersson had been with Goodyear since early 2010 when he was brought on board as president of North American Tire, replacing Kramer in that position. He previously worked at the Cooper Crouse-Hinds division of Cooper Industries in Syracuse, N.Y.
The 45-year-old McClellan, who has served as president of the company's North American consumer business division since 2008, will continue his duties in that position until a successor is named.
He is confident North American Tire will continue to grow. “Our strategy is sound, and we're on the right path,” McClellan said. “Even though we're facing challenging work and demanding goals, I'm confident we will deliver because of the strength of our products, the improvement of our processes and the capabilities” and dedication of the business unit's employees.
He maintained that North American Tire will be successful because it has one of the world's greatest tire brands, “outstanding products and a commitment to operational excellence.”
Since joining Goodyear in 1988, McClellan has held a variety of management positions on the consumer side of the business, including finance, sales and distribution.
In December 2001, he moved into Goodyear's commercial business, initially as president of Wingfoot Commercial Tire Systems before becoming vice president, Commercial Tire Systems, in September 2003.
“Steve brings strong leadership and a proven track record of delivering results,” according to Kramer. “Steve's career of more than 20 years at Goodyear has included progressively larger leadership positions within North American Tire. His success in running the North American consumer and commercial tire businesses and his strong relationships with customers make him a natural successor to the role.”
A strong believer in working as a team, McClellan cited two key areas that Kramer stresses: building capabilities while delivering results. “One person doesn't do that,” the new NAT president said. “We do it together.”