Cooper Standard announces two executive appointments

Northville, Michigan – Cooper Standard has announced two appointments to its executive team, who will be based at the group’s Northville headquarters.

Soma Venkat is returning to Cooper Standard as SVP and chief information technology officer, effective 20 Sept, the automotive supplier said in a statement on the same day.

In his new role, as an executive officer, Venkat will be responsible for leading Cooper Standard's information technology (IT) function.

"We are pleased to welcome Soma back to the Cooper Standard team," said Jeffrey Edwards, chairman and CEO, Cooper Standard. 

Venkat, he said, has a “wealth of experience” in leading and executing IT strategies within manufacturing, automotive, media, publishing and technology sectors.

Most recently, Venkat served as chief information officer for IXS, a provider of vehicle uplift services and coating solutions. 

In this role, Venkat helped turn around the company's IT team to deliver 'multiple digitisation, data and cyber-security initiatives' to enable business resilience during the Covid pandemic. 

From 2016 to 2020, Venkat held roles of increasing responsibility at Cooper Standard, most recently as global vice president, IT.

Furthermore, Cooper Standard named Amy Kulikowski as VP global internal audit and compliance effective 20 Sept. 

She replaces Becky McCabe who was recently appointed VP, chief accounting officer.

In her new role, Kulikowski will provide leadership, strategy and planning for Cooper Standard's global internal audit and compliance activities.