R. Paul Hirt Jr. has resigned as executive vice president and president--Exide Americas to accept another opportunity, Exide Technologies announced.

"Paul has been a valuable member of the Executive Leadership Team since he joined the company in 2011, and has led the Americas division during a challenging period," said James R. Bolch, Exide's president and CEO  "We appreciate Paul's contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavors."

ruce Cole, currently executive vice president--Asia Pacific, Business Development and Strategy, will assume additional responsibility for the Industrial and Recycling operations within the Exide Americas business unit. 

The Transportation operations within the Americas business unit will now report to Bob Caruso, Exide's Chief Restructuring Officer.

Exide Technologies, with operations in more than 80 countries, is one of the world's largest producers and recyclers of lead-acid batteries. The company filed voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month. Only Exide Technologies' United States' operations, including the GNB Industrial Division, are included in the filing.