Cooper Standard realigns management to focus on ‘key strategic initiatives’

Northville, Michigan – US components supplier Cooper Standard has launched a leadership ‘realignment programme’ aimed at creating “greater management synergies and focus on key strategic initiatives”.

Effective immediately, the reshuffle includes expanding the role of Patrick Clark, SVP and managing director – global automotive, said Cooper Standard in a 17 Nov statement.

With more than 28 years of automotive industry experience, Clark will assume responsibility for global procurement “to enhance synergies between the commercial and procurement functions.”

By aligning the functions, Cooper Standard said, Clark will drive the financial turnaround of the automotive business and improve its response to the dynamic automotive market.

Clark has held various leadership positions at Cooper Standard, including engineering, operations, programme management, finance, strategy and sales.

Also effective immediately, Joanna Totsky has been appointed SVP, chief transformation officer in addition to her role as chief legal officer and secretary.

In this expanded role, she will continue to lead legal and compliance functions, while also taking on responsibility for the implementation of the company’s “optimisation strategies” and leading initiatives to “right-size the business for today’s markets.”

Totsky, according to Cooper Standard, brings more than 25 years of global experience of executing transformational initiatives in the automotive and financial service industries.

SVP and chief technology officer, Chris Couch has also been tasked to “fully focus” on developing and commercialising advancements in materials science, product technology and manufacturing processes.

Couch will continue expanding Cooper Standard’s product portfolio for electrified vehicles and will maintain the company’s technical support to customers.

He has also been tasked to drive the expansion of the company’s non-automotive businesses, including industrial products, footwear and artificial intelligence (AI).

“This team... is well aligned to continue addressing the business challenges of today, while also positioning Cooper Standard to successfully execute our accelerating value strategy,” said Jeffrey Edwards, chairman and CEO.