Standard Motor Products Inc. is implementing key management changes following the retirement of those in major leadership roles.

Chairman and CEO Lawrence I. Sills will retire as CEO and become the company’s executive chairman of the board of directors, effective March 31, 2016.

Eric Sills, president of Standard Motor Products and the son of Lawrence Sills, will succeed Sills as CEO. Eric will also be appointed to SMP’s board of directors.

“The board of directors is also delighted to appoint Eric Sills as the next CEO and member of the Board,” said William Turner, Standard Motor Products’ presiding independent director. “Eric represents the fourth generation of the Fife and Sills families leading the company.”

Also effective March 31, 2016:

• John P. Gethin, chief operating officer, will retire and join the board of directors.
• James J. Burke, chief financial officer and vice president of finance, will be appointed executive vice president of finance and chief financial officer.
• Dale Burks, vice president of global sales & marketing, will be appointed executive vice president and chief commercial officer.
• Directors Arthur S. Sills and Peter J. Sills will retire as members of the board of directors and assume the role of director emeritus.