FINDLAY, Ohio (June 1) — Dick Stephens, president of Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.´s North American Tire Division, will retire effective July 1, the company announced today.
The 28-year Cooper veteran started with the company as a compound development chemist, then served in various technical positions with increasing responsibility until he became president, International Tire, in 2001. Most recently he led the North American tire unit, Cooper´s largest division.
"Dick has made a great and significant contribution to the growth and success of the company as well as advancement of our technology around the world," said Tom Dattilo, Cooper chairman, president and CEO. "His guidance, expertise and determination will be missed and we wish him well."
Stephens graduated from the University of Akron with a bachelor´s degree in chemical engineering and earned a master´s in business administration from Bowling Green State University. He also is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program, and is a member of Cooper´s Executive Committee, President´s Council and various other industry affiliations.