TROY, Mich. - Effective immediately, Oxford Automotive, Inc., a leading global automotive supplier and segment consolidator, has appointed Noel Ancian President of Oxford Automotive Europe, A.p.S.  The announcement was made today by Steven Abelman, President and CEO of Oxford Automotive, Inc. 

A highly regarded executive, Ancian brings a wealth of international growth and management experience to Oxford Automotive.  Ancian was most recently Chief Executive of Groupe Lapeyre, a large publicly traded manufacturing and retailing corporation, and was formally COO of Groupe Isoroy and held operations and financial positions at Renault Vehicules Industriels.  

His achievements in launching major programs, managing geographically diverse European operations, facilitating International acquisitions and directing corporate growth will guide Oxford's European expansions in the coming years. "In the last three years, our operations in Europe have expanded dramatically," said Abelman. "In order to effectively manage our European growth we needed someone with great deal of experience and vision who will lead our team in exceeding customer expectations while coordinating and integrating our European operations -- Noel brings all that and much more to Oxford." 

Stationed at Oxford's European Headquarters in Paris, France, Ancian will provide the leadership and strategic direction for the expansion of our activities in the European market.  "I am excited to join such a dynamic company with a proven record of strategic growth," said Noel Ancian. 

(July 21, 2000)