PITTSBURGH, PA--  Railroad tie and utility pole manufacturer Koppers Holdings Inc. announced the appointment of Leroy Ball as President and CEO, effective January 1, 2015.

Ball has served as chief operating officer since May 2014 and has been responsible for the global business operations and the financial reporting for the company. Prior to that, he served as vice president and chief financial officer for Koppers since August 2010. Ball was instrumental in Koppers acquisition of the Osmose Railroad Services and wood preservation businesses.

Walt Turner, current president and CEO of Koppers, will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors. Turner has served as president and CEO since 1998. He started with Koppers in 1969.