AKRON, Ohio, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Laura K. Thompson, vice president, finance for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's (NYSE: GT) North American Tire business, has been named to Treasury & Risk magazine's 2012 list of "30 Outstanding Women in Finance."

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Thompson directs finance for the company's largest business unit, with annual sales of nearly $10 billion.  Thompson, who previously served as vice president of business development, is also the executive in charge of developing Goodyear's new headquarters in Akron, Ohio.

"Laura is an influential leader and a valuable member of our finance organization with a natural ability to inspire teamwork and motivate others," said Darren R. Wells, executive vice president and chief financial officer.  "She is very deserving of this honor."

Thompson joined Goodyear in 1983 and has served in various financial and accounting positions including director of investor relations.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in 1986 and a Master of Business Administration degree in finance in 1991, both from The University of Akron.

Thompson is a member of The University of Akron's Advancement Council for the College of Business Administration and the Akron Area YMCA's Board of Trustees.

Each year the editors of Treasury & Risk compile a list of women in corporate finance who have made a difference to their companies and their industries.  The list and accompanying editorial content can be found online at TreasuryandRisk.com and in the magazine's April/May issue.

In April 2011, Thompson received the 2011 Dr. Frank L. Simonetti Award from The University of Akron School of Business Administration.  The award is given to distinguished alumni for their outstanding achievements in business and significant contributions to their communities.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies.  It employs about 72,000 people and manufactures its products in 53 facilities in 22 countries around the world.  Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry.  For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company