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DreamWorks SKG, the privately held studio that produced the “Shrek” movies, has named former Miramax Film Corp. executive Rick Sands president and chief operating officer.

Sands will report to DreamWorks co-founder David Geffen and will be responsible for overseeing the management of day-to-day operations. The appointment comes nearly two months after the company spun off its animation group, DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc., in a public offering. Jeffrey Katzenberg, who co-founded DreamWorks with director Steven Spielberg and music executive Geffen, is now chief executive of DreamWorks Animation.

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Alternative fuel systems designer and maker IMPCO Technologies Inc. said on Tuesday that it has named Mariano Costamagna its chief executive and president.

Costamagna replaces Robert M. Stemmler, who will remain as chairman and continue as a consultant to facilitate the Cerritos-based company’s purchase of the remaining 50 percent stake in Italian company BRC SR, founded and directed by Costamanga. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2005 upon shareholder approval. IMPCO bought its initial 50 percent interest in BRC in July 2003.

Costamagna said in a press release that he does not foresee significant management changes at either company.

IMPCO’s stock price was down 6.1 percent to $6.90 in mid-morning trading.

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Health care and laboratory staffing firm On Assignment Inc. said on Tuesday that Ron Rudolph, its executive vice president and chief financial officer would retire at the end of the month.

A 10-year On Assignment veteran, he will be succeeded by Mike Holtzman, now senior vice president of finance, but will continue advising the Calabasas-based company on strategic planning and investor relations under a renewable one-year consulting agreement beginning Feb. 1.

Holtzman joined the company in 2001 after a stint as finance chief of OnlineLearning.net.

On Assignment’s stock price was up 1.4 percent to $5.22 in mid-morning trading.