Don Metzelaar Appointed as Senior VP of Global Manufacturing at Goodyear

Goodyear's New Era in Manufacturing Leadership

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a global giant in tire manufacturing, has made a significant leadership change with the appointment of Don Metzelaar as the Senior Vice President of Global Manufacturing and Supply Chain. Effective January 13, 2025, Metzelaar will report directly to CEO Mark Stewart.

Metzelaar comes with an impressive background, having over 30 years of experience in directing large-scale manufacturing operations across various sectors. His most recent role was as the Chief Manufacturing Officer and Global Vice President for Johnson Controls International, where he played a crucial role in revamping manufacturing processes by emphasizing efficient factory flows and innovative systems integration.

Mark Stewart recognizes the importance of manufacturing within Goodyear's core operations, emphasizing that the transformation of their manufacturing processes is at the heart of their strategic vision. Stewart stated, "With Don's proven record of developing, enhancing, and leading global manufacturing initiatives, I am confident that his leadership will propel our transformation strategy forward."

Prior to his tenure at Johnson Controls, Metzelaar held various leadership positions at well-known companies such as Whirlpool Corporation, Honeywell International, and Motorola. His wealth of knowledge and expertise will be pivotal as he steps into his new role at Goodyear, where he will oversee a wide array of functions including global manufacturing, supply chain management, environmental health and safety, business continuity, manufacturing engineering, and quality control.

Metzelaar’s leadership approach will focus on optimizing product planning and ensuring high standards of quality and safety across Goodyear’s broad product range, which demands meticulous management in an industry known for its rigorous standards. His experience in multiple industries equips him with a diverse perspective on manufacturing challenges, which is essential for Goodyear’s ambitions to innovate and excel in product quality.

Goodyear operates with a substantial workforce of approximately 71,000 individuals globally and boasts 54 manufacturing facilities across 21 countries. The organization is committed to continuous innovation, facilitated by its two primary Innovation Centers located in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg. These centers are dedicated to developing state-of-the-art products and enhancing technology standards in the tire industry.

The appointment of Metzelaar aligns with Goodyear's broader strategy to enhance operational efficiencies while responding swiftly to market demands and customer needs. His leadership is anticipated to not only improve manufacturing processes but also reinforce Goodyear’s position as an industry leader in tire production. The company looks forward to leveraging his extensive experience to advance its operational strategies and customer impact.

For further details about Goodyear and their innovative products, visit their official site.