Cooper’s North American Head to Retire

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has announced that Dick Stephens, president, North American Tire Division, will retire from the Company. Stephens’ impressive career at Cooper spans 28 years.

“Dick has made a great and significant contribution to the growth and success of the company as well as advancement of our technology around the world. His guidance, expertise and determination will be missed and we wish him well,” said Tom Dattilo, Cooper’s chairman, president and CEO.

After several years’ experience at another tyre manufacturer, Stephens’ first position with Cooper was as a compound development chemist. He served in various technical positions with increasing responsibility until he became president, International Tire, in 2001. Most recently he led the North American Tire Division, Cooper’s largest division.

Stephens graduated from the University of Akron with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and earned a master’s in business administration from Bowling Green State University. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program. He is a member of Cooper’s Executive Committee, President’s Council and various other industry affiliations.

Stephens will continue in his position until 1 July 2006.