AKRON (Dec. 17, 2002) — Goodyear has named Michael Pulte manager, extreme performance, in a newly created post in the company's North American Tire division.
Mr. Pulte will be responsible for the promotions and marketing direction of Goodyear, Dunlop and Kelly brands of passenger and light truck tires in areas considered “extreme performance,” the Akron-based company said.
“We have identified these important market segments as areas of great growth potential,” said Mike Kitz, Goodyear's vice president, marketing, North American Tire. “Today's consumers are often enthusiasts who want to push their customized vehicles to the extreme limits, and they expect their tires to be able to carry them to those limits.”
Mr. Pulte will report to Mr. Kitz.
“Extreme performance” includes so-called “tuners,” or sport compact cars, and severe off-road driving such as “rock crawling,” among others.
An 18-year Goodyear veteran, Mr. Pulte most recently worked as an original equipment account manager in the company's Southfield, Mich., office.