• December 11, 2007

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is forming a new strategic business unit, combining the former regions of European Union (EU) and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA).

The new region will be Goodyear's largest geographic footprint after North America, in terms of annual sales revenue. Annual combined sales revenue for the two regions in 2006 was $6.5 billion. The change becomes effective Feb. 1.

Arthur de Bok, formerly president/Goodyear EU, will lead the new unit, reporting to CEO Robert Keegan. Michel Rzonzef, formerly vice president/sales and marketing, EEMEA, will be president of Goodyear's EEMEA operations, reporting to de Bok.

--Karl Greenberg