“We remain diligent in our planning relative to economic conditions. However, the improvements we have made in our go-to-market model, in our cost structure and in our balance sheet give me confidence that Goodyear is well positioned to continue to progress,” he said.
In addition, Keegan said the company’s total debt and legacy obligations, which peaked at more than $12 billion in 2006, are expected to fall to about half that in 2008. In 2007, Goodyear saw record revenue from continuing operations of $19.6 billion, an 8% increase in revenue per tire and growth at twice the industry rate for the Goodyear brand in North America, he said.
Also at the meeting, Laura Thompson, vice president of business development, was elected an officer of the corporation by the board of directors. She has also been given project management oversight for the company’s new Akron headquarters effort. As vice president of business development, Thompson is responsible for acquisition, divestiture and partnership activities in supporting Goodyear’s long-term strategies.
Shareholders re-elected the following 11 members to Goodyear’s Board of Directors:
James Boland, retired vice chairman of Cavaliers Operating Company
James Firestone, president of Xerox North America
Bob Keegan, chairman, CEO and president of Goodyear
W. Alan McCollough, retired chairman and CEO of Circuit City Stores Inc.
Steven Minter, retired president and executive director of The Cleveland Foundation
Denise Morrison, senior vice president and president of North America Soup, Sauces and Beverages, Campbell Soup Company
Rodney O’Neal, CEO and president of Delphi Corporation
Shirley Peterson, retired partner of Steptoe & Johnson LLP
G. Craig Sullivan, retired chairman and CEO of The Clorox Company
Thomas Weidemeyer, retired senior vice president and CEO of United Parcel Service, Inc.
Michael Wessel, president of The Wessel Group Inc.
John Breen, retired chairman of The Sherwin-Williams Co., and William Hudson Jr., retired president and CEO of AMP Inc., did not stand for re-election and have retired from the Board of Directors. (Tire Review/Akron)