FINDLAY, Ohio (Dec. 19, 2006) — Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. named Roy V. Armes—previously a senior vice president of Whirlpool Corp.—as its president and CEO, effective Jan. 1.
Mr. Armes will succeed director Byron Pond, who has served as interim CEO since former Cooper chairman, CEO and president Thomas Dattilo resigned in August.
Mr. Armes worked for Whirlpool for 31 years in a variety of posts, Cooper said, most recently as senior vice president, project management office. He also served as corporate vice president/general director, Whirlpool Mexico; corporate vice president, global procurement operations; and president and managing director, Whirlpool Greater China.
“We are extremely pleased to have Roy taking the lead of Cooper at this critical time,” Mr. Pond said in a statement. “He has all the qualities we were searching for and the leadership capabilities to continue and successfully execute the company's plans for profitability. He has the complete confidence of the board and will fit in well with our management team.”
Cooper also said the “office of the chairman” will remain as it is currently with directors Mr. Pond, John Shuey and Art Aronson.