FINDLAY, Ohio — Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has named James Keller to vice president, competition and enthusiast products, effective August 15.

In his new role, Keller will be based in Stow, Ohio, to direct, administer and coordinate the activities of Cooper’s motorsport organization including both the Cooper-Avon racing interest (based in Melksham, UK) and the Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels (based in Stow, Ohio).

“We are beginning to capitalize on the enormous global opportunities for Cooper Tire in the area of motorsports,” said Phillip Caris, vice president, 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.”