Cooper-Standard Automotive Announces Reorganization and Promotions

NOVI, Mich., April 15 -- Cooper Tire & Rubber Company today announced the reorganization of the Cooper-Standard Automotive Group. The new structure combines the North American and international operations of its Global Fluid Systems and Global Sealing Systems Divisions under two executive vice presidents.

Jim Pifer is promoted to executive vice president Cooper-Standard Automotive Global Fluid Systems Division; and Ed Hasler is promoted to executive vice president of the Group's Sealing Systems Division. Paul Gilbert is appointed executive vice president of Cooper-Standard Automotive Global NVH Division.

"This reorganization enhances the synergies of Cooper-Standard and aligns our organization more closely with our global automotive customers," said Jim McElya, president, Cooper-Standard Automotive.

Cooper-Standard also announced additional promotions related to the reorganization:

-- Reporting to Pifer is Joe Emmi, previously vice president and plant manager, who is promoted to vice president and managing director, Fluid Systems Europe. Emmi is responsible for the division's sales and engineering activities in Europe, and its manufacturing plant operations.

-- Reporting to Hasler is Grieto Lukje, previously vice president of operations, international group, who is promoted to vice president and managing director, Sealing Systems Europe. Lukje is responsible for the division's sales, manufacturing plants and its Shared Services group.

-- Gary Phillips, previously vice president HR, is named vice president, Cooper-Standard Automotive in addition to his current Human Resources responsibilities.

Company Description

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, and specializes in the manufacture and marketing of automotive products. Products for Cooper Tire include automotive, motorcycle and truck tires, inner tubes, tread rubber and equipment. Cooper-Standard Automotive is an original equipment supplier of sealing, trim, NVH control systems and fluid handling systems for the automotive industry in North America, Europe, Australia and South America. Cooper has more than 20,000 employees and 52 manufacturing facilities in 13 countries. For more information, visit the Company's web site at: www.coopertire.com