NOVI, Mich. -- Cooper-Standard Holdings has announced the appointment of Keith Stephenson as chief operating officer, reporting directly to Chairman and CEO James McElya.

Stephenson previously served as president of Cooper Standard's International Division, located in the company's European headquarters in Mannheim, Germany. He will relocate to the company's world headquarters in Novi, Mich., in the first half of 2011, ultimately assuming the responsibilities now held by Edward Hasler, the company's president. Hasler has announced his retirement from the company, effective July 1, 2011. He will continue to have responsibility for the company's North American operations during the transition period.

"I want to thank Ed Hasler for his many years of outstanding service, which will continue to benefit Cooper Standard during the transition period leading to his retirement. His industry expertise and ability to instill operational excellence across all of our manufacturing facilities helped Cooper Standard become a leading global supplier," McElya said. "At the same time, I look forward to working with Keith in his new post as COO, as he will bring a great mix of international experience, industry expertise and product knowledge to the position. Additionally, as part of the company's succession planning, Keith has assembled a strong global team, ensuring experienced leadership across all our operations."

As president of Cooper Standard's International Division, a position he had held since March 2009, Stephenson had responsibility for all of Cooper Standard's manufacturing and commercial activities in Europe, Asia and South America. From 2007 until March 2009 when the company reorganized its operations into geographic units, he served as president of Cooper Standard's Body and Chassis Division.

Before joining Cooper Standard in 2007, Stephenson was chief development officer at Boler Co. from 2004 to 2006. From 1985 to 2004, he held various senior positions at Hendrickson, a division of Boler Company, including president of International Operations, senior vice president of Global Business Operations and president of the Truck Systems Group.

Stephenson earned his bachelor of arts degree in business administration at North Central College in Naperville, Ill.