John C. Polhemus, president of Goodyear's North American Tire unit, retired after two years in the post and more than 33 years with the tire manufacturer. Jonathan D. Rich, who had been president of Goodyear Chemical since July 2001, replaced him.
Jim Vogel was reassigned from vice president of consumer business at Goodyear to a special assignment on ``revenue enhancement opportunities.''
Tom Raben, co-owner of Evansville, Ind.-based Raben Tire Co. Inc., re-placed Steve Disney as president of the Tire Industry Association for its first full year as a new organization. Mr. Raben had been president of the International Tire & Rubber Association until its July merger with the Tire Association of North America.
Ross Kogel announced his resignation, effective Feb. 1, 2003, as executive vice president of the Tire Industry Association.
Marvin Bozarth retired Dec. 31, 2001, as executive director of the International Tire & Rubber Association, continuing with that group's successor organization, the Tire Industry Association, as senior technical consultant.
Robert J. Keegan, president and COO of Akron-based Goodyear, was named to replace Samir ``Sam'' Gibara as CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2003. Mr. Keegan will retain his existing titles, and Mr. Gibara will remain as chairman of the board.
Francois Michelin retired as managing partner of Clermont-Ferrand, France-based Group Michelin. Mr. Michelin, 75, planned to continue to serve the company in other, undisclosed functions. His son, Edouard Michelin, 39, replaced him as the company's top executive and remained one of two managing partners, along with Rene Zingraff.
Baldwin Hickey was named to replace the retiring Earl Garrick as CEO of Charlotte, N.C.-based Solideal Tire Marketing.
Bernd Frangenberg retired at the end of the first quarter after eight years at Continental Tire North America Inc. as the tire maker's president and CEO, and was succeeded by Ulrich Wellen, 43, who was named COO in 2001.
Larry Morgan stepped down as chairman and CEO of Morgan Tire & Auto Inc., based in Clearwater, Fla., but remains on the board of the Bridgestone/Firestone subsidiary. Stu Watterson, a 32-year veteran with BFS took over as president and CEO.
Gaetano Mannino was named president and CEO of Pirelli Tire North America Inc. Feb. 1, replacing Carlo Bianconi, who retired after a 33-year career with the Italian tire maker.
The Rubber Manufacturers Association named Tom Dattilo-chairman, president and CEO of Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.-chairman of the RMA's board.