Chris Ostrander has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President of North America for Nokian Tyres. He joined the company’s global Management Team on Sept. 1. Ostrander joins after serving on the company’s Board of Directors since 2021. He brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience in the tire, automotive, heavy-duty, and aftermarket industries.
Ostrander succeeds Lauri Halme, who now serves as Senior Vice President of Nokian Tyres’ Vianor business unit while continuing as a member of the global Management Team.
“Chris has deep knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing Nokian Tyres. He has helped guide the company as a member of our Board of Directors,” said Nokian Tyres President and CEO Paolo Pompei. “We are eager for him to use his expertise and energy to help our North American operations continue to grow. We also thank Lauri for his excellent leadership, which will continue in this new capacity.”
Tire Industry Experience And Vision
Ostrander has extensive executive experience in the tire industry, Nokian said. He served as President, Americas at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company from 2011 to 2015 and has led and advised several companies in the automotive and aftermarket sectors.
“The tire industry is a family. I look forward to diving back into it to deepen the relationships Nokian Tyres has developed over the years, while fostering new ones as we focus our growth efforts on this critical market,” said Ostrander. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as a member of Nokian Tyres’ Board. Given my previous tire industry experience, I am excited to lead the vital North American market where my leadership can have a more direct impact on the results of Nokian Tyres.”
A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Ostrander earned a degree in mechanical engineering and served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He also holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science and Technology.
Expanding Nokian Tyres North America
Nokian Tyres said it continues to expand its North American presence. The company operates a factory in Dayton, Tennessee, serving the U.S. and Canadian markets. Brand Finance named Nokian Tyres the fastest-growing tire brand in the world in its May 2025 report.
