Goodyear tabs Nicole Gray to lead human resources

AKRON — Goodyear has promoted Nicole Gray to senior vice president and chief human resources officer, succeeding Gary VanderLind who is retiring.

Gray joined Goodyear in 2016, moving from leading the company's global labor and employment team to senior human resources leadership roles.

Prior to joining Goodyear, Gray was a partner at McDonald Hopkins L.L.C., where she worked with employers to address a variety of business and workforce matters, from litigation defense to talent strategy. Her human resources and legal expertise also includes leading collective bargaining, managing corporate transactions and advising senior executives.

VanderLind, who began his career with Goodyear in 1985 in the firm's retail store business, will retire on July 1. He's been in his current position since 2019.

"Gary has been part of the culture and fabric of Goodyear for nearly 40 years, starting in our company-owned retail business and then pursuing a path in human resources," Goodyear CEO and President Mark Stewart said.

"There is nothing more important to Goodyear than our associates, and Gary has been instrumental in building organizational capability and associate engagement, whether at manufacturing plants, in our businesses, or his most recent role leading the function globally. It has been my pleasure to work with Gary, and I'm truly happy for him to embrace the next chapter of life with his family."