Nov 01, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Company names James T. Dietz to replace retiring David Whittle as VP and general manager of European operations effective March 31, 2007 Koppers Holdings Inc. announced on October 31 that Dr. David Whittle, vice president and general manager, European operations, will be retiring effective March 31, 2007. Dr. Whittle, 64, has been responsible for European operations since Koppers acquired 100% ownership of the former Tarconord A/S entity (now known as Koppers Europe) in May 2000. Koppers concurrently announced the appointment of James T. Dietz to replace Dr. Whittle effective March 31, 2007. Mr. Dietz, 50, has more than 21 years of experience in the coal tar distillation business, with a background in engineering and operations. Mr. Dietz is currently operations manager for Koppers' North American carbon materials and chemicals business. In his new capacity, Mr. Dietz will report to Kevin J. Fitzgerald, who was recently named senior vice president, global carbon materials and chemicals. Koppers, with corporate headquarters and a research center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a global integrated producer of carbon compounds and treated wood products. Including its joint ventures, Koppers operates facilities in the United States, United Kingdom, Denmark, Australia, China, the Pacific Rim and South Africa. The stock of Koppers Holdings Inc. is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.