AKRON — A new CEO won't be the only management change coming for Goodyear.
The Akron-based tire maker has promoted Joe Burke to vice president of its North America commercial business, succeeding the retiring Dave Beasley.
The company said Burke reports to Steve McClellan, president, Goodyear Americas.
Two weeks ago, Goodyear CEO, President and Chairman Richard Kramer announced his retirement in 2024. A search is under way for Kramer's replacement.
McClellan called Burke "a proven leader" who "has delivered strong results in both our Global Aviation and North America commercial businesses.
"He has a deep knowledge of the commercial tire and service industry, having previously led commercial sales and original equipment account teams and being instrumental in bringing Goodyear's fleet solutions to the market."
Beasley is retiring after nearly 40 years with Goodyear.
McClellan said the company is "incredibly grateful to Dave for his leadership and contributions to Goodyear over the past four decades and wish him the very best in his next chapter.
Burke joined Goodyear in 2015 and most recently worked as general manager of Goodyear's Global Aviation business. Prior to joining the company, he held positions at OEConnection, Lincare Holdings and Aerotek.
Goodyear's board of directors recently announced the implementation of strategic and operational plan — called "Goodyear Forward" — that calls for the divestiture of the company's off-the-road (OTR) tire and chemicals businesses and rights to the venerable Dunlop brand.
It's all part of Goodyear's plan to buoy its bottom line, by divesting certain assets that could bring in $2 billion or more in gross proceeds as well as enhance shareholder value in light of an investor group's demand for change in an effort to improve the company's stock performance over the past decade.
The strategic plan was revealed Nov. 15 — the same day Kramer announced his retirement.