Eaton Corp. has named Ken Davis president – Vehicle Group, effective Jan. 1, 2011, succeeding Joe Palchak, who has announced his decision to retire at the end of June 2011. Davis will report to Craig Arnold, vice chairman and chief operating officer – Industrial Sector, and will be responsible for the company’s automotive and truck businesses. Davis’ current role as president – Americas for Eaton’s Vehicle Group will not be filled.
“Ken’s deep knowledge of the vehicle segment combined with his global business experience and strong leadership skills will be instrumental as we continue to grow in critical markets around the world,” Arnold says. “We are pleased he will be assuming this leadership role.”
Since joining Eaton in 1986, Davis has held management positions of increasing responsibility including president – Americas for Eaton’s Vehicle Group, president of the company’s Light-and Medium-Duty Transmission business and vice president and general manager for Eaton’s Clutch business. He will continue to be located in Galesburg, Mich.
Palchak will continue to report to Arnold and will be assisting with the transition in addition to some specific projects until his retirement. “During the past three years, Eaton’s automotive and truck businesses have come together under Joe’s leadership,” Davis says. “He has created a streamlined regional organization that adapts quickly to the evolving business environment and responds efficiently to customer needs. I want to thank him for continuously embodying Eaton’s values and for his steadfast leadership of our Vehicle Group during the recent volatility of the past several years.”
