Metaldyne Names Kim Kovac Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Metaldyne University

PLYMOUTH, Mich., July 19 -- Kim Kovac has been appointed executive vice president of Human Resources and Metaldyne University, Metaldyne Corp. announced today. She will report to Tim Leuliette, chairman, president and CEO.

In this expanded role, Kovac will continue to oversee the company's global Human Resources function including compensation and benefits, leadership development and organizational design, recruiting, retention, HRIS and labor relations. In addition, she will be responsible for Metaldyne University, a training forum that allows Metaldyne to share best practices across its global operations. Kovac also will oversee Metaldyne's Environmental, Health and Safety functions.

"These new responsibilities are a natural fit for Kim," said Leuliette. "Under Kim's leadership, Metaldyne University and corporate Human Resources will work together to provide our employees with the best training and resources available to create a center of expertise in order to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace."

Kovac joined Metaldyne in 2001 as a compensation and benefits consultant. She also served as corporate benefits manager and director of compensation and benefits before being appointed to her most recent position as vice president of Human Resources. Kovac played a key role in developing the innovative labor agreement with the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) that was part of Metaldyne's acquisition of the Chrysler Group's New Castle, Ind., facility in 2004. She works closely with UAW and the company's other union partners to build strong and collaborative relationships with Metaldyne's employees around the world.

Before joining Metaldyne, Kovac worked as a corporate human resources director in the automotive industry. Her prior professional experience includes 14 years with Comerica Bank, where she served in a variety of human resources positions, including vice president of employee benefits.

Kovac holds a bachelor's degree and a Master's of Business Administration degree, both from Lawrence Technological University. She resides in Grosse Ile, Mich.

About Metaldyne

Metaldyne is a leading global designer and supplier of metal-based components, assemblies and modules for transportation related powertrain and chassis applications including engine, transmission/transfer case, wheel-end and suspension, axle and driveline, and noise and vibration control products to the motor vehicle industry.

Headquartered in Plymouth, Mich., Metaldyne has annual revenues of approximately $2.0 billion. The company employs more than 6,500 employees at 38 facilities in 14 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.metaldyne.com/ .