A European virtual-reality company with an office in Kettering has named a local man as its vice president of North American operations.

Virtalis Inc., based in the United Kingdom, has appointed Paul Ewing to the vice president position, according to a media release. Ewing’s role is to increase adoption of the company’s advanced visualization and virtual-reality technology throughout North America, officials said.

“His focus will be on bringing the power of our immersive, collaborative 3-D environments to blue chip companies, both within the U.S. and operating internationally,” said David Cockburn-Price, Virtalis’ managing director, in a statement.

Ewing previously had leadership roles at global technology companies that include PTC and Zuken. He lives in the Dayton-Cincinnati area, officials said.

Virtalis opened its North American office at 1952 Woodman Center Drive in Kettering in 2009. The company specializes in stereoscopic display and 3-D viewing and interaction. Virtalis is headquartered in the United Kingdom and also has an office in Germany.