Cooper-Standard names Jeffrey Edwards as new CEO

NOVI, Mich. -- Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc. on Tuesday named Jeffrey Edwards as the next president and chief executive of the company and its main operating subsidiary.

The Novi, Mich.-based auto parts company said that Edwards will succeed James McElya, its current president and CEO, when McElya retires on Oct. 15.

Edwards, who has 28 years of automotive experience, also was named to the boards of both companies as of the same date. McElya, 65, will continue to serve on the company's board as its chairman.

Edwards, 50, recently headed Johnson Controls Inc.'s Asian automotive business, serving as corporate vice president as well as group vice president and general manager. He previously served as head of the company's North American automotive business.

Cooper-Standard shares were unchanged at $37.50 in morning over-the-counter trading.