The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE: GT) today appointed Darren R. Wells, a 1987 graduate of DePauw University, its chief financial officer. Wells had been serving as the company's senior vice president of finance and strategy.<br /><br />"Wells, 42, was one of the key leaders and architects of the company's financial restructuring since joining the company from Visteon Corp. six years ago as Goodyear's vice president and treasurer," notes an announcement from the company. "Wells was promoted to senior vice president business development and treasurer in May 2005, and to his most recent position in March 2007."<br /><br />"The innovative plans to restructure goodyear tire aa.jpgour balance sheet executed under Darren's leadership served as the foundation of the company's rebirth as a stronger, more respected competitor in the tire industry," says Robert J. Keegan, chairman and chief executive officer of Goodyear. "As chief financial officer, Darren will use his outstanding business and financial skills and strong leadership capabilities to generate shareholder value."<br /><br />The statement notes Wells' degree from DePauw, where he majored in Spanish and English (composition), as well as the M.B.A. he received from Indiana University.