A spark plug electrode includes a thermally conductive core portion and a weldable core portion that are aligned in series within a multi-piece core assembly to improve the heat management and attachment characteristics of the electrode. The thermally conductive core portion, which can be made from a copper-based material, is located towards a firing end of the ground electrode. The weldable core portion can be made from a nickel-based material and is located towards a welding end of the ground electrode. A method of manufacturing is also described for extruding and forming the spark plug electrode with the multi-piece core assembly. The method is designed so that a core interface between the thermally conductive core portion and the weldable core portion does not substantially include any internal voids, and a welding surface where the electrode is attached to a spark plug shell has a nickel-to-nickel interface, but does not substantially include any copper.