KINGSPORT, Tenn. - Eastman Chemical Co. has a new chief technology officer.

The Kingsport-based company this week appointed Stephen G. Crawford to the position, effective Jan. 1. Crawford will also serve as senior vice president.

He succeeds Gregory Nelson, who will remain with the company in a transitional role until his retirement in March.

Eastman is the largest employer in northeast Tennessee with more than 7,000 employees in the region.

In May, the company announced it will put $1.6 billion into an expansion in Kingsport that will create 300 jobs.

The expansion is called Project Inspire. Eastman management said it will invest in new growth opportunities, safety and environmental projects, increased warehouse space, building renovations and expansion of its corporate campus in Kingsport.