Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has named James Keller to the newly created position of vice president, Competition and Enthusiast Products. His appointment will become effective August 15.
In his new role, Keller will direct, administer and coordinate the activities of Cooper´s motorsport organization from Stow, Ohio. That includes both the Cooper-Avon racing interest (based in Melksham, United Kingdom) and Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels (based in Stow).
"We are beginning to capitalize on the enormous global opportunities for Cooper Tire in the area of motorsports," said Phillip Caris, vice president of sales and marketing. "This newly-created position will help us continue to develop, promote, grow and maximize performance results and brand awareness from the targeted market niche of competition, performance and enthusiast products for Cooper´s North American Tire Division as well as for our global motorsports activities."
Keller, a 21-year Cooper veteran, has served as the plant manager for Cooper´s fluid systems manufacturing facility in Bowling Green, Ohio, since May 2003. Prior to this role, he served as the vice president of purchasing for three years. He also has held a variety of managerial roles within the purchasing department.
