Goodyear says COO Kramer will become CEO, succeeding Keegan who keeps chairman title

Kramer elected to succeed Keegan as CEO

AKRON, Ohio — Goodyear says chief operating officer Richard J. Kramer has been elected as chief executive and president effective April 13.

Kramer will succeed Robert J. Keegan, who will remain executive chairman of the board. Akron-based Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. announced the moves Wednesday.

The 46-year-old Kramer became COO last June. He spent the previous three years leading the company’s North American tire business.

The 62-year-old Keegan joined Goodyear in 2000 as chief operating officer. He became president and CEO in 2003 and chairman of the board later that year.

Goodyear has about 69,000 employees and has production facilities in 23 countries.

Its shares rose 22 cents, or 1.7 percent, to $12.96 in morning trading.

On the Net:

www.goodyear.com

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Goodyear says chief operating officer Richard J. Kramer has been elected as chief executive and president effective April 13.

Kramer will succeed Robert J. Keegan, who will remain executive chairman of the board. Akron-based Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. announced the moves Wednesday.

The 46-year-old Kramer became COO last June. He spent the previous three years leading the company’s North American tire business.

The 62-year-old Keegan joined Goodyear in 2000 as chief operating officer. He became president and CEO in 2003 and chairman of the board later that year.

Goodyear has about 69,000 employees and has production facilities in 23 countries.

Its shares rose 22 cents, or 1.7 percent, to $12.96 in morning trading.

On the Net:

www.goodyear.com

(This version CORRECTS to COO sted CFO in long headline)