Global Polymer Summit keynote speaker announced

Akron, OH – The Rubber Division, ACS has announced that Jeff Barna, President & CEO of Yokohama Tire Corporation will be the keynote speaker for the 2026 Global Polymer Summit.

Mr. Barna’s keynote address will be: Collision Course – The Forces Rewriting the Tire Industry. A convergence of powerful, irreversible forces – from global overcapacity and margin compression to the rise of low-cost competitors, e-commerce and shifting retail dynamics – is rapidly reshaping the tire industry’s foundation. This Keynote Address will explore how these interconnected disruptions are redefining value across the entire supply chain and why traditional strategies may no longer hold. Attendees will gain a clear-eyed view of what lies ahead and what bold, adaptive action is required to remain relevant in an industry that will not transform gently.

The Global Polymer Summit 2026 will be held from September 28-30 in Louisville, KY. The keynote address will be given Tuesday, September 29th at 9 AM.

Reminder: GPS pricing increases August 1 and housing closes August 15. Register for GPS and book your hotel room in the official room block by July 18 and you’ll automatically be entered into a drawing for $250 and another for $500!

Visit https://gps2026.events.rubber.org/ for more information.