Goodyear Appoints Jan-Piet van Kesteren as New EMEA Managing Director and Chief Sales Officer

Goodyear Welcomes Jan-Piet van Kesteren as EMEA Managing Director

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced a significant leadership change within its organization. Effective September 1, Jan-Piet van Kesteren is set to join the company as the Managing Director for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region and will also hold the position of Chief Sales Officer for EMEA's consumer sector. This appointment underscores Goodyear's commitment to strengthening its market presence and driving strategic growth in a highly competitive industry.

A Vision for Growth

In his new role, Van Kesteren will be instrumental in steering Goodyear’s Consumer business across the EMEA region. His primary focus will revolve around enhancing sales execution, ensuring profitable growth, and aligning the company's regional strategies with global objectives. Mark Stewart, Goodyear’s Chief Executive Officer and President, expressed confidence in Van Kesteren's capabilities, citing his extensive background in managing large-scale operations and delivering impressive commercial results.

Stewart highlighted that, "Jan-Piet's track record of leading large-scale businesses, developing high-performing teams and delivering strong commercial outcomes makes him a great fit for Goodyear." This sentiment reflects the organization's recognition of the need for strong leadership to navigate the complex landscape of the tire industry.

A Wealth of Experience

Jan-Piet van Kesteren comes to Goodyear with over 20 years of international commercial leadership experience, particularly within the industrial and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors. Before joining Goodyear, he held the position of Managing Director for EMEA at AkzoNobel, where he was also a member of the company's Executive Committee. His prior experience includes numerous senior leadership roles at Unilever during his impressive 16-year tenure with the company across various markets in the EMEA region.

Van Kesteren’s background equips him well to tackle the intricate challenges of leading Goodyear’s consumer business, particularly in a region where market dynamics are ever-evolving. His proven ability to build high-performing teams and drive commercial outcomes makes him an ideal candidate for the role.

Strategic Objectives for the EMEA Region

Under van Kesteren's leadership, Goodyear aims to solidify its position in high-value market segments and improve its distribution model. His strategic vision is expected to foster a heightened focus on customer engagement, which is essential for enhancing overall business performance.

By advancing these strategic initiatives and ensuring operational alignment across the EMEA geography, Van Kesteren is poised to play a pivotal role in guiding Goodyear towards achieving its growth ambitions within the region.

About Goodyear

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company stands as one of the largest tire manufacturers globally, employing approximately 68,000 individuals and operating out of 53 facilities in 20 countries around the world. With dedicated Innovation Centers located in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, Goodyear strives to develop cutting-edge products and services that set new standards in the tire industry.

For more information about Goodyear, its products, and this new leadership announcement, visit www.goodyear.com/corporate.