The Cleveland Orchestra has announced the election of Richard J. Kramer, former Chairman, CEO, and President of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, as Chair of its Board of Trustees.

As Chair, Kramer, who has been a member of the Orchestra’s Board since 2018 and has served as Vice Chair since 2023, will collaborate with the Board’s officers, Executive Committee, Trustees, President & CEO André Gremillet, and Music Director Franz Welser-Möst to provide strategic guidance for the institution.

Kramer takes over for Richard K. Smucker, who served as Chair from 2017 to 2025. Smucker was recently honored with the Distinguished Service Award, the Orchestra’s highest recognition, and had the President & CEO Chair named in his honor earlier this year.

“The Cleveland Orchestra represents the very best of our community—artistic excellence, innovation, and collaboration,” Kramer, who also chaired the Finance Committee in 2024, said, per an official press release. “I’m deeply honored to help advance its mission and ensure it continues to inspire audiences here in Northeast Ohio and around the world.”

Born in Cleveland, Kramer led Goodyear from 2010 to 2024 and earned recognition from Newsweek, Time, and Fortune. He serves on the boards of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Whirlpool, Cleveland Clinic, and CNH Industrial.

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