NOVI, Mich.—Keith Stephenson, chief operating officer of Cooper Standard Automotive Inc., will retire on April 2, concluding a 12-year career with the firm.
The company said his leadership helped to lay the foundation for success across key areas of the business, including installing the Cooper Standard operating system; setting up the company's i3 innovation process and global innovation team; upgrading Cooper Standard's information technology and purchasing infrastructures; helping establish global councils for regional collaboration; and bringing on key acquisitions and joint ventures.
"On behalf of the entire Cooper Standard organization, I want to extend our gratitude to Keith for all his contributions, especially for the leadership, integrity and energy he brought to the business and the many community initiatives he championed on behalf of the Cooper Standard Foundation," Jeff Edwards, chairman and CEO of Cooper Standard, said in a statement. "His tireless efforts helped build a solid foundation for our future success and we wish him well."
The firm also is restructuring its management team to reflect its transition to three new global organizations—manufacturing, engineering and innovation—and has appointed three new leaders of each respective unit.
Patrick Clark will become the company's chief global engineering and product strategy officer, Christopher Couch will become chief innovation officer and Hans Helmrich will serve as chief global manufacturing officer.