01 Apr Aldez Poises for Next Stage of Growth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DETROIT, MI, UNITED STATES, April 1, 2021 —
Aldez, the award-winning supplier of services to automotive manufacturers and their suppliers, announced today the retirement of two if its senior executives. Current president Jeffery Copek will succeed company founder Diane Copek as Chief Executive Officer, and Michael Hayes, executive vice president, will move into the role as President and assume the responsibilities of Michael Byrne, COO. Both appointments are effective April 1, 2021. Diane Copek and Michael Byrne will remain active with Aldez, serving in an advisory capacity with Aldez.
Diane Copek founded Aldez Group in 1998 with a vision to provide services within the automotive industry to free up manufacturers to focus on their most important aspect: production. In 2009, after decades of building up packaging and operations expertise, Michael Byrne joined Aldez as a partner in the business after being introduced to Diane by a mutual business connection. Under their leadership, Aldez grew rapidly due to its exceptional processes and focus on accuracy, which led to a continued expansion of their services within the automotive industry.
Diane Copek and Michael Byrne released a joint statement. “Having served for many years as executive leadership of this great company, we feel this is the right time for us to retire and usher in a new era of leadership. It has been our honor and privilege to serve this great company and we are proud of the people of Aldez and what they have achieved.”
Jeffrey Copek is the current President of Aldez and a six-combat tour veteran serving in both Afghanistan and Iraq. During his military career he successfully transitioned from Infantry Platoon Sergeant to Combat Aviator, Pilot and finally Air Mission Commander. In addition to his service, he was awarded two Bronze stars as well as leadership awards. Jeffrey is a graduate of Oakland University and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
Currently, Michael Hayes is Executive Vice President of Aldez. After graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1997, Michael Hayes began his career in the automotive industry. For more than 20 years, his focus has been on contract packaging, distribution and managed labor services for companies such as Toyota, GM, Ford, Honda, Isuzu and many of the Tier I suppliers. Michael joined the Aldez family in 2010. His never-ending passion for customer satisfaction, continuous improvement and personnel development has helped to sculpt the unique customer-centric culture at Aldez.
Mr. Copek stated, “I am honored to be named the next CEO of Aldez, and want to thank Diane and Mike for the confidence they have placed in me to lead this strong organization. I welcome working alongside Michael Hayes as President and continuing to grow the company.”
Press contact: Maribeth Ross