A vulcanizable rubber composition is provided that comprises an elastomer, a reinforcing filler comprising silica or a mixture thereof with carbon black, a silica dispersing aid comprising about 0.1 to about 15 phr poly(vinyl acetate) (PVA), and a cure agent. The addition of PVA to the composition improves the processability of the compound, improves the tear strength and modulus of the rubber and can reduce the number of mixing stages during compounding, resulting in lowering of the cost of operation and increasing plant productivity without compromising the processability or other physical properties of the stocks. Also provided are a vulcanizate formed from vulcanizing the rubber composition, a tire component formed from the vulcanized rubber and a process for forming the tire component.