Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. reports Cynthia Niekamp has been named a member of the company’s board of directors, effective immediately.
Niekamp is senior vice president of the automotive OEM coatings business of PPG Industries Inc., a leading global coatings and specialty products company, a position she has held since 2010. She joined PPG in 2009 as vice president of the automotive OEM coatings business.
Prior to that, Niekamp served as vice president, president and general manager of BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems from 2004 to 2008. Prior to joining BorgWarner, she served as senior vice president and chief financial officer of MeadWestvaco Corp. During her nine years with Mead and Westvaco, Niekamp held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility in the company's specialty business units, including the Specialty Paper Division and the Specialty Chemicals Division.
From 1990 to 1995, she served as managing director, director of operations, and vice president and director of planning and business development for TRW Inc.'s Transportation Systems business unit, Technar subsidiary, and Engine and Aftermarket Group, respectively. From 1978 to 1990, she held various management and engineering roles with General Motors.
Cooper's Chairman, President and CEO Roy Armes says, "Cindy brings tremendous experience and knowledge to our company. Her understanding of the manufacturing industry, from plant floor experience to long-range strategic planning in global businesses makes her a valuable addition to Cooper's board of directors. We look forward to her contributions as a key member of our team."
