NOVI, Mich. – Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc. has announced that Jeffrey Edwards, a 28-year veteran of the global automotive industry, has been named to succeed James McElya as president and CEO of the company and its principal operating subsidiary, Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. His appointment is effective Oct. 15. Edwards also has been appointed to the board of directors of both companies effective the same date.
 
Under the succession plan, McElya, 65, has announced that he will retire as an executive of the company as of Oct. 15. He is expected to continue to fulfill his current term on the company’s board of directors, serving as its chairman.
 
Edwards, 50, recently headed the Automotive Experience Asia group for Johnson Controls Inc., serving as corporate vice president as well as group vice president and general manager. He previously served as group vice president and general manager for automotive experience North America and also as group vice president and general manager for product and business development for Johnson Controls.