Supplier group chief De Koker to retire
 | Neil De Koker wants to give OESA time to recruit a replacement. |
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DETROIT -- Neil De Koker, president of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association, is stepping down at the end of 2013.
In an e-mailed statement, De Koker told Automotive News that he will officially announce his retirement plans on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the organization's board meeting.
De Koker, 69, said he decided to announce his retirement early to give the association time to recruit a replacement.
"We have formed a search committee with executives from the OESA board and are just starting the process," he said.
The suppliers association, which De Koker launched in 1998, represents more than 400 companies with combined sales of $300 billion.
Before starting the association, De Koker had spent 23 years with General Motors, where he helped organize Saturn Corp. He also served four-year stints at Magna International Inc. and at the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association of Canada.
De Koker got a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at General Motors Institute, plus a master's degree in business administration from Michigan State University.
You can reach David Sedgwick at dsedgwick@crain.com.
