With the pending departure of Chris Ostrander, president of Americas Tire Operations, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has made two top-level executive appointments, both effective immediately.

Brad Hughes, 52, was named to the newly created position of senior vice president and COO, with responsibility for Cooper’s worldwide operations. He joined Cooper in 2009 as CFO, and has been president of Cooper’s International Tire Operations since July 2014.

Cooper then promoted Phil Kortokrax, 52, to the position of vice president of North America Tire Operations, and he will be responsible for all Cooper operations in the U.S. and Canada. Kortokrax was named vice president of manufacturing for North America Tire Operations in 2012. He will report to Hughes.

Ostrander is leaving as of Feb. 6 having has accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer with an automotive aftermarket parts supplier. He joined Cooper in January 2011, coming from an executive post with Eaton Corp.

“We are excited to have Brad lead our operations in all regions around the world as we head into Cooper’s second century in the tire industry,” said Cooper chairman, CEO and president Roy Armes. “He is an accomplished executive and has done an excellent job leading teams during times of change and growth for Cooper. We look forward to the contributions Brad will continue to make as we bring together all of our regions under his leadership. This appointment gives Cooper an even more cohesive global approach to our business as we continue to develop, optimize and leverage our brands, products and manufacturing footprint around the world.”