Goodyear execs McClellan, Wells to retire

AKRON—Two of Goodyear's longer-tenured exectives—Stephen R. McClellan, president, Americas, and Darren R. Wells, executive vice president and chief administrative officer—are planning to retire in 2024 after nearly 56 combined years with the company.

McClellan, who has been with the company for 36 years, is retiring on Feb. 29, while Wells, who has spent nearly two decades at Goodyear, will retire effective April 1.

Both announcements were made in filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The retirements come a few months after Goodyear President, CEO and Chair Richard Kramer announced he was retiring in 2023 after 14 years leading the company.

McClellan has been president of the Americas for eight years. Prior to that, he was president of North America for five years (2011-2016); president of the North America Tire Consumer Business for three years (2008-11); and president of the North America Tire Commercial Business unit (2003-2008).

McClellan, a University of Akron graduate, joined the company in 1988 and worked in various position until 2003.

Wells, a graduate of DePauw University, was named chief administrative officer in January 2023. Prior to that, he was chief financial officer since October 2018.

That roller coaster of a year, capped by the Goodyear Forward reorganization plan disclosed Nov. 15 and a departing CEO, is Rubber News sister publication Tire Business' top news story of the year.

The plan, among other cost-cutting measures, calls for divesting the Dunlop brand, which has been part of Goodyear's portfolio since 1999, as well as its off-the-road tire and chemicals businesses.