The board of directors for Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has named Katy Dickson and Brian Walker as directors of the company, effective immediately.
Dickson is a senior vice president at Mattel Inc., and president of its American Girl subsidiary. American Girl is an omni-channel retailer and publisher with products available through its catalog, website, proprietary U.S. experiential retail stores and specialty retailers in Canada and the UAE. Prior to American Girl, where she has been since 2016, Dickson was chief marketing officer for News America Marketing Inc., a subsidiary of global media and information services company, News Corp. She spent the majority of her career, more than 23 years, with General Mills, serving in marketing leadership roles of increasing responsibility for some of the world’s best-known brands, concluding with her service as vice president, marketing and general manager, Old El Paso and Betty Crocker Dinners.
Dickson holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a bachelor’s degree in management from the United States Air Force Academy. She served in the Air Force as a Captain.
Walker retired this year after 29 years with Herman Miller Inc., 14 of which he was at the helm of the organization serving as president and CEO. Prior roles at Herman Miller included president and chief operating officer as well as executive vice president and CFO. Herman Miller is a $2.3 billion global provider of office furniture, fixtures and equipment with 8,500 employees who serve customers in 109 countries. Under Walker’s leadership, Herman Miller implemented a transformative business strategy, leading the office furnishings category by serving both consumers and contractors across a multi-channel platform and positioning Herman Miller as a premium lifestyle brand.
Walker holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Michigan State University and is a certified public accountant.
Cooper Board Chairman Thomas Capo said, “Both of these executives bring unique talents, diversity of thinking and a demonstrated ability to drive results by defining and innovating around brands and developing omni-channel experiences that connect consumers to brands in unique ways. As Cooper addresses its opportunity to transform the company through an increasing focus on end consumers, the insights and experience that they bring will be invaluable. The Cooper board traditionally has nine members, yet we are increasing to 10 with the addition of Katy and Brian as we believe their talents will be an immediate and powerful asset to the company.
“Further, their appointments support our board refreshment process as we prepare for planned succession related to future board member retirements. We are pleased to welcome Katy and Brian to the Board and look forward to their contributions,” Capo concluded.
