Cooper Tire & Rubber has named Christopher Ball senior vice president of North America Tire Operations, effective March 19.

He will report to Brad Hughes, president and chief executive officer. Ball assumes this role following the promotion of Phil Kortokrax to the position of senior vice president, global operations and procurement.

North America is Cooper’s largest market. In his new role, Ball will be responsible for formulating and driving execution of strategic plans to grow Cooper’s business within the dealer-distributor network as well as in new sales channels. He will closely partner with the company’s operations and technical teams in the U.S., which focus on the design and manufacture of quality tires in safe and sustainable facilities, including four manufacturing plants, as well as supply chain operations.

Ball joins Cooper following a 15-year career with Whirlpool Corporation. Most recently, he served as global vice president for the company’s KitchenAid small appliance business.  Prior to that, Ball held leadership positions within Whirlpool’s Laundry business.

“We are pleased to welcome Chris to our executive leadership team,” said Hughes. “He is a talented global executive with significant commercial experience, and the energy and demonstrated leadership capabilities to help us achieve our strategic growth objectives.”