Cooper Standard promotes Couch, Pumphrey as DeBest departs

NORTHVILLE, Mich.—Cooper Standard's ongoing diversification strategy is moving ahead with some new leadership appointments.

Jeffrey DeBest will leave the company March 1, stepping down from his position at the helm of the Advanced Technology Group. His departure, Cooper Standard said in a news release, will result in two additional changes.

"We are grateful for Jeff DeBest's leadership to help grow ISG and launch our AMS business," Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Edwards said in a statement. "The new leadership structure will allow the company to streamline our operations and costs while maintaining our intense focus on profitable growth across diverse industries."

Christopher Couch, currently senior vice president and chief technology officer, will assume the leadership of the Applied Materials Science business. This, the company said, will be in addition to his oversight of global technology, product development, product strategy and program management.

In the new position, Couch will be responsible for AMS and its efforts to commercialize materials science, including Cooper Standard's Fortrex chemistry platform. He brings 25 years of experience in global manufacturing, P&L and research and development to his new role.

D. William Pumphrey, meanwhile, will become executive vice president and president of global automotive and Industrial Specialty Group, assuming the responsibility for the ISG. This will be in addition to his responsibilities for corporate strategy and oversight of the company's global automotive business.

"Pumphrey will broaden his oversight to include P&L for the ISG business as Cooper Standard continues to maximize the value stream of its manufacturing expertise and core products for applications in diverse markets," the company said in a news release. "He will continue leading the cross-functional initiative to improve Cooper Standard's ROIC performance."

He brings more than 35 years of experience in commercial and operations activities to his new role.