Standard Motor Products (SMP) announced today that James Burke has been named the chief operating officer for the company.

Burke is currently SMP’s executive vice president finance and chief financial officer (CFO). He has been with the company since 1986, when SMP acquired EIS Brake Parts, and has 40 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket. He will continue to serve as a member of the Office of the Chief Executive together with Eric Sills, CEO and President, and Dale Burks, executive vice president and chief commercial officer.

Burke will also continue to operate as CFO while the company begins a search for a successor.

Burke holds a Master of Business Administration degree from University of New Haven and a BBA from Pace University, and has completed an Executive Education program at Ross School of Business, University of Michigan.

“We are very pleased to announce Jim’s promotion as chief operating officer,” said CEO Eric Sills. “Jim has held numerous high-level management positions with the company, accumulating a wealth of industry experience and knowledge, which he will be able to leverage in his new position. This appointment will also assure a smooth transition with his successor as CFO. We look forward to many more years of Jim’s contributions in this important new assignment.