AKRON, Ohio, Aug. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) today announced the appointment of Richard Kellam as senior vice president, global sales and marketing, effective September 22. 

Kellam will report to Richard J. Kramer, Goodyear's chairman and chief executive officer, and will be based at the company's global headquarters here. As Goodyear's senior sales and marketing executive, Kellam will be responsible for establishing a program of sales and marketing excellence aligned with the company's focus on working from the market back to enhance the customer and consumer experience.  

"Richard brings a wealth of global experience and a track record of building successful sales and marketing capabilities in global companies with strong consumer brands," said Kramer. "In today's rapidly evolving marketplace, where consumers are demanding both great products and meaningful experiences, our focus on sales and marketing excellence is critical to our long-term success. Richard will drive integrated sales and marketing programs to help Goodyear grow as the brand that consumers seek out, purchase and recommend to others." 

Kellam, 53, joins Goodyear with more than 28 years' experience in key sales and marketing leadership roles in global companies. Since 2009, he has served as global chief customer officer with Mars Incorporated – a $33 billion global manufacturer of confectionery, pet food and other food products – responsible for building world class sales and customer capabilities and processes across all Mars business units.

During his 14 years with Mars, Kellam also held key leadership roles in its North American and European business units including more than three years as president of Mars Petcare Europe where he drove significant increases in sales and earnings, led brand strategy and accelerated innovation. Prior to Mars, he spent seven years with William Wrigley Company in marketing and general management roles of increasing responsibility based in the U.S., Canada, India and Malaysia. Kellam began his career as an assistant brand manager with Playtex Limited and later served in marketing roles with Robin Hood Multifoods and Molson Breweries.

A native of Toronto, Kellam holds a bachelor's degree from Western University in London, Canada.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies.  It employs approximately 69,000 people and manufactures its products in 53 facilities in 22 countries around the world.  Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry.  For more information about Goodyear, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

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SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company