NOVI, Mich. (Aug. 11, 2008) — Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. has appointed Edward A. Hasler president and CEO.
Hasler, formerly president and chief operating officer, has succeeded James S. McElya as CEO. McElya will continue as executive chairman of the company.
Hasler has led the global activities of Cooper-Standard's operating divisions since September 2006. His responsibilities as chief operating officer were expanded in 2007 to include oversight of the company's human resources and information technology functions.
Before that, he served for three years as president of Cooper-Standard's Global Sealing Systems Division. He has more than 25 years of experience in leadership positions in the automotive industry, both in the U.S. and internationally.
McElya has been CEO of Cooper-Standard since 2004 and chairman since 2006. Before his appointment as CEO, McElya served for four years as president of Cooper-Standard, which was then part of Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.
He has more than 33 years of experience in the automotive industry.
As executive chairman, McElya will focus on the alignment of the company's investments and initiatives with its long-term strategy, interfacing with the board of directors and fostering relationships with the company's customers and financial stakeholders.