Kihn joined Goodyear in 1988 at the company's Technical Center in Luxembourg (GTC*L) as a compounder working in consumer tires and later in bias truck tires for Asia. In 1991, he received his first foreign assignment as Chief Chemist in Thailand.

Later that year, he returned to GTC*L as a member of the German OE team. During that period, silica compound technology was launched by competition and he was deeply involved in the development of the first full silica compound for Goodyear.

In 1994, he moved to Akron to join the Radial Medium Truck tire team for Latin America. In 1996, he returned to GTC*L as a Team Leader in the Radial Medium Truck Tire product group, later becoming the group's manager.

In 2000, Kihn moved to Akron as Director, Tire Technology - Latin America, and in 2002 he was named Director Research & Development Compound Science.

Kihn was named Managing Director of Goodyear Peru in 2003, and named to his previous position in 2005.

Kihn is a Chemical Engineer and has a Ph.D. from the University of Louvain, Belgium. He is fluent in English, French, German, Spanish and Luxembourgish. He is a native of Luxembourg, married to Brigitte; they have two children.

Jean-Claude Kihn
Senior Vice President & Chief Technical Officer

Jean-Claude Kihn is Senior Vice President & Chief Technical Officer for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a position he has held since January 1, 2008.

Kihn joined Goodyear in 1988 at Goodyear’s Center in Luxembourg to develop new materials for tires sold in Europe and Asia. In 1991, he received his first foreign assignment at Goodyear’s Plant in Thailand.

Later that year, he returned to Luxembourg to join the team responsible for developing tires for German auto manufacturers. During that period, he was deeply involved in the development of the first fuel economy technology.

In 1994, he moved to Akron to join the Commercial truck tire development team for Latin America. In 1996, he returned to Luxembourg to lead truck tire development for Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

In 2000, Kihn moved to Akron as Director Tire Technology – Latin America, and in 2002 he was named Director R&D Materials Science.

Kihn was named Managing Director of Goodyear Peru in 2003, and named General Director of the Goodyear Innovation Center in Akron, Ohio in 2005.

Kihn is a Chemical Engineer and has a Ph.D. from the University of Louvain, Belgium. He is fluent in English, French, German, Spanish and Luxembourgish. He is a native of Luxembourg, married to Brigitte; they have two children.

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