Shield joined the company’s Avon Tyre organization as a tire consultant and established a Pakistan operation. Shield held various management positions, including business development director, with responsibilities for logistics, supply chain, international business development, information technology and new product introduction. In 2001, he was named vice president of European operations and managing director for Cooper Tire Europe.

“Ron Shield’s success in Europe, as well as his extensive international experience, make him well qualified to manage and continue the success of our Asian footprint,” said Hal Miller, president of the international tire division.

Shield has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Newcastle University and a master’s degree in business administration from Bath University. He is also a graduate of Cooper’s Notre Dame Executive Leadership Development Program. Shield also had various technical and manufacturing positions at two Europe-based tire companies for 21 years.

The interim vice president replaces Cooper Asia Pacific president, Gene Arnold, who retires May 31. As head of Cooper’s Asian operations, Arnold helped negotiate the company’s outsourcing relationship with Hongzhou; formed a joint venture relationship with Kenda; oversaw construction of the first plant in China; set up Cooper’s Asian Trading Co. for selling Cooper brands in China; and helped to acquire the majority ownership in Cooper Chengshan, China’s third-largest tire manufacturer.