Goodyear Tire & Rubber Inc. Launches Global Racing Organization to Propel Motorsport Strategy

Effective October 1, 2025, Xavier Fraipont will take the helm as vice president of the newly established Global Racing organization. With nearly three decades of experience in both racing and product development, Fraipont brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record from his extensive tenure within the Goodyear family of brands. His leadership is expected to steer a unified strategy that aligns Goodyear's motorsport efforts with its broader product and brand vision.

To facilitate seamless collaboration between technical innovation and brand strategy, Fraipont will report jointly to Chris Helsel, senior vice president and chief technical officer, and Will Roland, senior vice president and chief marketing officer. This dual reporting structure is designed to enhance communication and foster an environment where innovative ideas can flourish.

"Goodyear has been synonymous with car racing since the very beginning of our history," stated Helsel. "With Xavier's deep expertise and leadership at the helm, we're advancing our commitment to innovation – enhancing performance and elevating our competitive edge worldwide."

Goodyear's motorsport legacy is deeply embedded in its role as the exclusive tire supplier for some of the world’s most prestigious racing series. Central to this legacy is the iconic Eagle tire, renowned for its performance and reliability. The Eagle tire continues to set industry standards across diverse racing disciplines, symbolizing Goodyear's unwavering dedication to excellence.

"Motorsport is a central pillar of our brand strategy," remarked Roland. "It's where our technology, performance, and brand identity converge. The best and fastest tires in the world have Goodyear written all over them, and racing provides the ultimate proving ground – demonstrating the speed, precision, and reliability that define our products."

With over a century of racing heritage backing its initiatives, Goodyear Racing is poised to implement a forward-thinking motorsport strategy. The goal is to fuel innovation, amplify brand impact, and drive strategic growth across the company. This comprehensive approach signifies not just a continuation of Goodyear's racing legacy but a commitment to adapting and evolving within the competitive landscape of motorsport.

Goodyear is recognized as one of the world's largest tire manufacturers, employing approximately 68,000 individuals across 53 facilities in 20 countries. The company operates two Innovation Centers located in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, dedicated to developing cutting-edge products and services that set the technological and performance standards for the industry.

With the launch of the Global Racing organization, Goodyear is not only reinforcing its position in the motorsport sector but also setting the stage for a unified and innovative future that promises to elevate the company's brand presence and product performance in the years to come.