A strategic Goodyear commitment to build a stronger management team and to focus more intently on the consumer was reinforced today with the announced election of former Eastman Kodak executive Robert J. Keegan as president, chief operating officer and director of the world’s largest tire company.
Keegan, 53, who leaves Kodak as president, Consumer Imaging, will report to Goodyear Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Samir G. Gibara. The effective date is Oct. 1.
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“The breadth and depth of Bob Keegan’s global sales, marketing and business operating experience over more than two decades in the consumer products industry should prove of great value to Goodyear,” Gibara said.
“Goodyear is pleased to attract a global executive the caliber of Bob Keegan, and we look forward to the many significant contributions he will make to our organization,” the chairman said.
“As president and COO, Bob will focus his energy on the daily global business operations as we move our product offerings and services closer to the consumer,” Gibara said. “This will allow me, as chairman and CEO, to concentrate my efforts on Goodyear’s strategic opportunities and to continue to grow the company profitably.”
Keegan began his Kodak career in 1972, holding a series of positions in finance and marketing in the U.S. and Europe before being named general manager of Kodak New Zealand in 1986. In 1987, he returned to headquarters in Rochester, N.Y., with the Photographic Products Group.
In 1990, Keegan was named general manager of Kodak Spain and a year later became general manager of Consumer Imaging for Kodak’s European, Middle East and Africa Regions. In 1993, he was elected a corporate vice president.
In 1995, Keegan left Kodak to join Avery Dennison Corporation in Pasadena, Calif., as executive vice president and global strategy officer.
In 1997, Keegan returned to Kodak as president of Kodak Professional and later that year was appointed president of Consumer Imaging and elected a senior vice president. In 1999, he was elected an executive vice president.
Keegan received a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, N.Y., and an MBA from the University of Rochester.
