MILTON, Ga. — Exide Technologies has announced that Gordon Ulsh, president and chief executive officer, has ceded the title of president to E.J. O’Leary. Effective immediately, O’Leary becomes president and chief operating officer of Exide Technologies. He has served the company as executive vice president and chief operating officer since August 2007. Ulsh will continue serving as the company’s CEO.

In his expanded role, O’Leary now is responsible for the company’s operations in the Asia Pacific region, Europe and North America as well as all Global Procurement, Global Research, Development and Engineering functions. Exide’s newly-announced ReStore Energy Systems division also will report to O’Leary.

“E.J. has been instrumental in helping Exide grow stronger operationally during the past two years in his role as executive vice president and chief operating officer,” said Ulsh. “Now, the timing is pivotal for us to consolidate responsibilities for even greater synergy across the company. This move will allow Exide to take best advantage of E.J.’s depth of talent and knowledge in four main areas of our business – our people, our processes, our partners and our products – all of which have worked together to help our company earn new respect in the global marketplace.”

O’Leary’s career has spanned more than 30 years in the automotive and industrial industries. Between 2005 and 2007, O’Leary served Exide as president, Transportation – Americas. Before joining Exide, he served as president – The Americas at Oetiker Inc. His career also includes senior management positions at iStar Systems, Federal-Mogul, Cooper Industries and Tenneco Automotive.