AKRON—Goodyear has named Christopher Helsel its senior vice president, global operations and chief technology officer.
He succeeds Jonathan Bellissimo, who is retiring after a Goodyear career spanning four decades.
Helsel, 55, joined Goodyear in 1996 and has been senior vice president and chief technology officer since 2017. He previously served as director of technology programs at Goodyear's Innovation Center in Luxembourg before serving as director, North America commercial and global off-highway technology at Goodyear.
"Chris Helsel's broad range of experiences leading product innovation, technology and product industrialization make him ideal to lead Goodyear's Global Operations and Technology organization," Richard Kramer, Goodyear chairman, CEO and president, said in a statement. "In addition, his willingness to promote new thinking and challenge the status quo will serve our technology and manufacturing efforts well as we take Goodyear into the next stage of leadership in a hyper-competitive industry."
As chief technology officer, Helsel led Goodyear's technology and innovation development, especially in the growing area of new mobility. He earned his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Cleveland State University and his master's in the same discipline from The University of Akron.
Bellissimo previously served as vice president of product development in the Americas and was head of Goodyear Chemical. He also was director of Goodyear's Innovation Center in Akron and has played a role in manufacturing plant startups around the world.
"We deeply appreciate Jon's vast contributions and leadership at Goodyear during his 43-year career," Kramer said. "We all owe Jon a debt of gratitude for his relentless pursuit of quality, safety and results throughout his service to our company."
