Goodyear Announces Changes to North American Consumer Marketing and Retail
#23523pe.1007
AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 26, 2007 – The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company today announced executive changes to its North American Tire (NAT) marketing and retail operations.
Brett Ponton has been named to the new position of vice president, marketing for Goodyear’s North American consumer replacement business. Additionally, Goodyear has hired Scott Vogel to serve as vice president, retail. Vogel replaces Ponton in that role.
"Both of these leaders will further build our capabilities in our North American consumer business," said Larry Mason, president, North American Consumer Tires. "Brett has done an outstanding job in leading the retail business, and will bring extensive customer and retail perspective to our overall marketing efforts."
"At the same time, we are fortunate to recruit someone of Scott’s ability into our retail operation. He has an extensive consumer products background and successful retail experience. His track record of success in service and brand-building will continue growth in Goodyear retail." Both Ponton and Vogel will report to Mason.
Ponton has worked at Goodyear for 16 years, most recently as vice president, Goodyear retail. In that role, he managed the company’s 750 owned outlets, helping to create a positive brand experience for consumers. He has led the efforts to refresh the layouts and product presentations in Goodyear-branded stores, creating an environment that is more consumer-friendly and more productive for sales.
Ponton had previously served in various executive, marketing and sales roles at Goodyear. In his new role, he will manage the marketing strategy and execution for the Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly and associated brands.
Vogel comes to Goodyear having served most recently as the president of Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Valvoline’s retail arm that comprised 270 company-owned stores and more than 500 franchised locations. Vogel, who joined Valvoline in 2004, led the implementation of retail best practices in areas such as brand differentiation, customer experience, marketing, and employee development and training to generate a significant sales turnaround.
Prior to working at Valvoline, Vogel served for three years as president of a small collectibles company, and before that spent 13 years advancing through various management and brand marketing roles at Clorox. This included his final position of general manager/vice president of the company’s Laundry Care business unit.
A 1983 graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Vogel earned his MBA at Harvard Business School in 1988.
Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. The company employs about 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 26 countries around the world.
-0-
|