French-American Chamber of Commerce Names Goodyear

Chairman Executive of the Year Akron, Ohio (PROTEXT) - Samir G. Gibara, chairman and chiefexecutive officer of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, has beennamed Executive of the Year by the French-American Chamber ofCommerce in Chicago. He will be honored tonight at the organization's Sixth AnnualNuit des Etoiles (Night of the Stars) in the Grand Ballroom ofthe Chicago Hilton and Towers. According to Michel Gilbert, FACC executive director, theaward recognizes executives "with proven leadership and successin business both in France and the United States, integratingboth cultures in a global development strategy. This award is notonly a recognition of personal achievement, but also acommendation of the company's success." Goodyear's chairman since 1996, Gibara worked in the company'sFrench operations for 16 years, 10 of those as president ofGoodyear France. "It is truly an honor to be recognized by such a distinguishedorganization," Gibara said. "As this award is given to acknowledge dedication andperseverance, I will accept it on behalf of all Goodyearassociates around the world. They are the reason for Goodyear'ssuccess for over a century and they are responsible for ourprogress during my watch as chairman," he added. Goodyear has marketed tires in France since 1900 and built itsfirst plant there, in Amiens, in 1959. Today, the company hasmore than 2,000 associates in France. Goodyear operates achemicals plant in Le Havre, a research center in Orsay, atraining center in Bonneuil, a tire test track in Mireval andseveral regional offices and distribution centers in majorcities. North America's largest tiremaker, Goodyear is the secondlargest in France. The company expects to regain its position asthe world's largest tiremaker when a strategic global alliancewith Japan's Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. is completed laterthis year. Sumitomo owns Dunlop tire operations in the UnitedStates, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Previous Executive of the Year honorees include: * 1998 -- Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, president ofChateau Mouton Rothschild; * 1997 -- John Bryan, chairman and CEO of Sara LeeCorporation; * 1996 -- Jean-Pierre Rosso, chairman, CEO and president ofCase Corporation; * 1995 -- Didier Varlet, president and CEO of Indosuez CarrFutures; * 1994 -- Francois Castaing, vice president of vehicleengineering, Chrysler Corporation; and * 1993 -- Charles Denny, president and CEO of Square D/GroupeSchneider North America. ots Original Text Service: The GoodyearTire & Rubber Company Internet: http://www.newsaktuell.deContact: Keith Price of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Tel.: (inthe USA) 330-796-1863 Web site: http://www.goodyear.com

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