Koppers names new president and CEO

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

Koppers Holdings Inc. appointed Leroy Ball to president and chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2015, as part of its long-term strategic planning process.

 

Ball was elected chief operating officer of Koppers in May 2014 and has been responsible for the various global business operations and the financial reporting for the company. Prior to this election, he served as vice president and chief financial officer for Koppers since August 2010. Previously, Ball was senior vice president and chief financial officer of Calgon Corporation, a Pittsburgh-based manufacturer of activated carbon products and services with operations in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Belgium, China and Japan.

Walt Turner, who Ball will succeed, was elected president and chief executive officer in 1998, and has been a director of Koppers Holdings since November 2004. In 1992, Turner was elected vice president and manager, marketing and development for industrial pitches and related products. In 1995, he was elected vice president and general manager of the Carbon Materials and Chemicals group. Turner has spent his entire career at Koppers, having joined the company in 1969.

“One of the great attributes of Koppers as it has grown over the years has been its remarkable leadership stability,” said current board chairman David Hillenbrand. “Replacing a leader with the historical perspective and vision of Walt Turner is not easy. We are delighted to have a leader of Leroy’s broad experience and leadership capabilities continue the company’s success as a global leader in its businesses. We are also pleased to have Walt continue to be a member of the board.”

“Since joining Koppers, Leroy has been instrumental with our strategic growth activities, including the recent announcement of the acquisition of the Osmose Railroad Services and Wood Preservation businesses,” Turner said. “I am pleased to hand over the reins to Leroy at this time of tremendous global opportunity. His global perspective and financial acumen are already helping to strengthen the company’s future.”

“When I joined Koppers four years ago, I saw a company with a deep tradition of excellence and leadership in its businesses,” Ball said. “As president and chief executive officer, I am excited to work with our board, our leadership team and every Koppers employee around the globe to continue to deliver excellence to our shareholders, our customers, the industries we serve, and the communities where we operate.”

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