Goodyear names Asia Pacific prez, treasurer

AKRON (Aug. 21, 2015) — Chris Delaney has been named president-elect of Goodyear's Asia Pacific business unit.

He will join the company on Monday, Aug. 24, and assume full responsibility for the business on Jan. 1, the Akron-based tire maker said, adding that Daniel L. Smytka, president of Goodyear's Asia Pacific business since 2011, will work closely with Mr. Delaney on the transition. Mr. Smytka will then move to another leadership role, reporting to Goodyear Chairman and CEO Richard J. Kramer.

Goodyear also announced that Peter R. Rapin has joined the company as vice president and treasurer. He will report to Laura K. Thompson, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Mr. Delaney, a native of Huntington, N.Y., comes to Goodyear with more than 30 years of global leadership experience in Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and the Middle East, Goodyear said. For the past four years, he was the CEO of Goodman Fielder Ltd., the largest public food company in Australia and New Zealand.

“We are pleased to welcome Chris to Goodyear in this important role,” Mr. Kramer said. “He is a proven leader who has spent extensive time in the Asia Pacific region during his career and joins us at a critical time as we drive for growth amid challenging economic conditions in the region.”

Mr. Delaney's career includes 20 years in positions of increasing responsibility at Procter & Gamble Co., where he worked in sales and business development in both North America and Europe before becoming vice president and general manager, first in the Middle East and then in North America. He then spent seven years at Campbell Soup Co., first leading international sales before becoming president, emerging markets, and later president, Asia Pacific.

Goodyear said Mr. Smytka has played key roles in the firm's Asia Pacific business since joining the company in 2008. As the head of the consumer tire business, he “led the introductions of award-winning new products, increased brand value and oversaw the expansion of Goodyear's retail presence in the region, especially China.”

He was named Asia Pacific region president in November 2011 after serving as project leader overseeing construction and start-up of the company's new, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Pulandian, China. Mr. Smytka also launched Goodyear China's entry in the commercial truck tire segment and, according to the company, “played a pivotal role in establishing a new China Development Center to enhance the company's service with vehicle manufacturers there.”

Mr. Kramer noted that Mr. Smytka “deserves much of the credit for our performance in the region since 2008. Dan is a valued member of my leadership team, and I look forward to his continued contributions.”

Mr. Rapin most recently served as vice president, treasury and tax, for TRW Automotive, which is now part of ZF Friedrichshafen A.G., where he directed the firm's global treasury, tax, insurance and pension functions.

Ms. Thompson called Mr. Rapin “an accomplished finance executive with extensive treasury experience, an in-depth knowledge of the automotive industry and a proven leadership track record in corporate finance.”

Prior to joining TRW in 2003, he spent eight years with Engelhard Corp., a specialty chemical company, where he served as treasurer from 1998 to 2003 and assistant treasurer from 1995 to 1998. Mr. Rapin began his career at Westinghouse Electric Corp. in 1981, holding various senior treasury positions.

Mr. Rapin will succeed Thomas Kaczynski, who has served as Goodyear's treasurer since January 2014. The Akron-based tire maker said he is leaving for another opportunity, effective Aug. 28.