AKRON (Sept. 30, 2011) — Goodyear has hired Gregory L. Smith, an executive with ConAgra Foods Inc., to be senior vice president of global operations.
Mr. Smith, 47, will be responsible for global strategy, encompassing supply chain and logistics, manufacturing, quality and engineering. He was executive vice president of supply chain at ConAgra for the past four years.
Goodyear Chairman, President and CEO Rich Kramer lauded Mr. Smith for his “ability to implement sustainable operational improvements within a strategic vision” and said he brings “competencies in areas that are critical to Goodyear's long-term success....”
Mr. Smith fills a postion previously filled by John Fish from September 2009 to June 2011.
Mr. Smith brings 25 years' experience in manufacturing and supply chain. Prior to joining ConAgra in 2001, he held senior positions with United Signature Foods, VDK Frozen Foods and Quaker Oats Co.
“I see great opportunities ahead to help lead the development and implementation of a worldwide Goodyear operating system that drives operations excellence and allows us to achieve world-class operations and supply chain performance and results,” Mr. Smith said.
He will assume his new position with Goodyear on Oct. 24.