LIVONIA, Mich. -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. has announced that President and CEO John Plant has been appointed to the additional post of chairman of the board, effective immediately.

Plant has held the position of president and CEO, serving as a member of TRW's board, since 2003.

As chairman, Plant replaces Neil Simpkins, senior managing director of The Blackstone Group, who resigned as chairman, but will remain on the board of directors and assume the newly created position of lead director. Simpkins was appointed chairman of the board in 2003 as a result of Blackstone's majority purchase of the company at that time. Given Blackstone's reduced ownership position, TRW’s board of directors agreed that the timing for this transition was appropriate.  

"I am pleased and honored to assume the additional responsibilities as board chairman," said Plant. "I thank Neil for his contributions and leadership over the years, which will continue in his new role as lead director."