AKRON, Ohio, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. on Wednesday named Jonathan Rich, president of its chemical division, to take over as president of its money-losing North American Tire operations effective Dec. 1.
Rich, 47, will replace John Polhemus, 58, who is retiring after more than 33 years with the company.
A Des Moines native, Rich joined Goodyear in 2000 after 18 years with General Electric Co. . He has led a turnaround at the chemicals unit and been instrumental in introducing Six Sigma, which focuses of cutting expenses and improving quality, at Goodyear.
North American Tire, Goodyear's largest unit, was the only one to report lower third-quarter profits. Chief Operating Officer Robert Keegan, who takes over as chief executive Jan. 1, has vowed to improve results there.
Goodyear, one of the world's largest tire makers, named Joseph Copeland, 41, to succeed Rich as president of the chemicals division.