NORTHVILLE, Mich.—Cooper Standard Automotive Inc. has announced the addition of two people to its executive team, appointing Soma Venkat as senior vice president and chief information technology officer and Amy Kulikowski as vice president, global internal audit and compliance.
Both appointments took effect Sept. 20.
Venkat returns for a second stint at Cooper Standard, previously serving from 2016 to 2020 with the company, most recently as global vice president, IT.
In his new role, Venkat will be responsible for leading Cooper Standard's IT division.
"We are pleased to welcome Soma back to the Cooper Standard team," said Jeffrey Edwards, chairman and CEO, Cooper Standard. "His wealth of experience leading and executing IT strategies within manufacturing, automotive, media, publishing and technology will be an asset as we continue the digital transformation and execution of our Driving Value plan."
Venkat comes from IXS (Innovative Xcessories and Services), a provider of vehicle uplift services and coating solutions, working there as chief information officer, "enabling business resilience during the COVID pandemic."
He also was co-founder and chief operating officer at Info Shuk, a technology startup.
Kulikowski comes to the vice president, global internal audit and compliance position where she will be responsible for strategy and planning for internal audit and compliance activities, "including the company's Sarbanes-Oxley program."
She replaces Becky McCabe, who was recently promoted to vice president, chief accounting officer with Cooper Standard. Kulikowski will report to Jonathan Banas, executive vice president and chief financial officer.
"With more than 23 years of progressive experience in accounting and financial management within global multi-national organizations, Amy brings proven leadership to support Cooper Standard's business and strategies," said Banas. "She is an exceptional talent who adds further depth and expertise to our world-class finance team."
Prior to Cooper Standard, Kulikowski worked with as Delphi assistant controller for accounting and integration for BorgWarned Inc. (which acquired Delphi Technologies PLC in 2020).
She has held previous accounting, finance and controller positions with Delphi and others.
Cooper Standard is a supplier of sealing and fluid handling systems and components with approximately 25,000 employees.