Chris Ostrander Assumes Leadership of Nokian Tyres North America

DAYTON, Tenn. – Experienced tire industry leader Chris Ostrander is Nokian Tyres’ new Senior Vice President of North America and a member of Nokian Tyres’ global Management Team, effective September 1.

Ostrander joins Nokian Tyres’ North American team after serving as a member of 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 with both public and private equity companies.  

Ostrander replaces Lauri Halme in the role. Halme now serves as Senior Vice President of the company’s Vianor business unit and remains a member of Nokian Tyres’ global Management Team.

“Chris has deep knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing Nokian Tyres, because 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.”

Nokian Tyres’ new North American leader has extensive executive experience in the tire industry. In addition to his service on Nokian Tyres’ Board, Ostrander was President, Americas at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company from 2011 to 2015. He has also led and advised several other companies in the automotive and aftermarket segments.

“The tire industry is a family, and 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, and 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.”

Ostrander is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a mechanical engineering degree and afterward served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He has a Master of Business Administration from The University of Michigan and a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Missouri Science & Technology.

Nokian Tyres continues to grow its presence in North America. The inventor of the winter and all-weather passenger tires, the company operates an award-winning factory in Dayton, Tennessee that serves the U.S. and Canadian markets. Brand Finance named Nokian Tyres the fastest-growing tire brand in the world in its May 2025 report.

For more information:

Nokian Tyres plc

Wes Boling, Marketing Communications Manager

[email protected]

(629) 204-0702

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About Nokian Tyres

Nokian Tyres' purpose is to make the world safer by reinventing tires, and how they are made, over and over again -- a safer place to drive, work and live now and for generations to come. Inspired by our northern heritage, we develop and manufacture premium tires for passenger cars, trucks and heavy machinery with sustainability at the heart of all our operations. We employ around 3,800 people with net sales of $1.3 billion USD in 2024, and together we lead the journey to smarter driving for people and for businesses.

More information: www.nokiantyres.com