Cooper Standard (NYSE: CPS), a leader in engineered sealing, fluid handling systems, and components for transportation and industrial markets, has elevated Soma Venkat, Ph.D., to the role of Senior Vice President & Chief Information Technology and AI Officer, effective September 15, 2025.
Driving Innovation Through AI and IT
In his new role, Venkat will spearhead Cooper Standard’s artificial intelligence strategy, integrating AI more deeply across the company’s operations while continuing to lead the Information Technology (IT) function. The company has stated that this repositioning is part of a broader push to accelerate innovation, optimize business processes, and bring new solutions to market more swiftly.
Jeffrey Edwards, Chairman and CEO of Cooper Standard, remarked, “We are excited to build on the success of Cooper Standard’s AI activities. Soma’s extensive background will be invaluable as we move our AI strategy forward. With this additional focus, the Company expects to further optimize our business, enabling us to deliver new solutions to the market faster.”
For his part, Venkat expressed enthusiasm for the expanded responsibilities: “We see tremendous opportunity in applying AI across our business, unlocking new avenues for innovation and growth. We are strategically focused on initiatives that will deliver real value and measurable impact.”
From Academic Foundations to Corporate Leadership
Dr. Soma Venkat first rejoined Cooper Standard in 2021 as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Technology Officer. Before that, he served as Chief Information Officer for IXS (Innovative Xcessories and Services), where he led efforts in digitization, cybersecurity, and organizational transformation. His earlier tenure at Cooper Standard, from 2016 to 2020, included ascending leadership roles and culminated in the role of Global Vice President of IT.
Venkat’s academic credentials are strong. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Madras, India, a Master of Applied Science in Applied Mathematics from The College of Engineering, Guindy, India, and a Master of Science plus a Ph.D. in Computational Mathematics from the University of Windsor, Canada. Additionally, he is a Six Sigma Black Belt and has earned executive certificates in management, marketing, and finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, along with an AI certificate from MIT Sloan School of Management.
Strategic Implications for Cooper Standard
With approximately 22,000 employees globally and operations in 20 countries, Cooper Standard is known for its materials science expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and engineered systems for fluid and seal handling. By combining its IT and AI leadership under one executive, the company signals a clear intention to more tightly align technology innovation with its core business goals—streamlining processes, enhancing product development, improving quality, and responding more agilely to market demands.
Venkat’s expanded role could be instrumental in accelerating Cooper Standard’s digital transformation roadmap. As AI becomes increasingly integral across manufacturing and industrial sectors, leadership that understands both the technical and strategic dimensions of AI and IT will be critical. Cooper Standard appears to be positioning itself to stay ahead in this evolving landscape.
About Cooper Standard
Headquartered in Northville, Michigan, Cooper Standard develops and manufactures sealing and fluid handling systems for transportation and industrial applications. Leveraging its deep materials science and engineering expertise, the company focuses on sustainability, innovation, and delivering engineered solutions across global markets.
