CLEVELAND -- Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corp. has announced that James McGill has been named executive vice president and chief human resources officer, effective Jan. 1, 2010, succeeding Susan Cook. Cook will assume responsibility for Eaton’s new World Headquarters (WHQ) project at that time as vice president, strategic facilities planning.

McGill previously served as president, Asia Pacific Region, and before that was vice president, Eaton Business System. He joined Eaton in 1994, and held a series of management positions of increasing responsibility within Eaton’s Electrical Group, including leading operations in Southeast Asia and vice president and general manager of the Industrial Control business.

“Jim has clearly demonstrated his commitment to Eaton’s culture and values, and his ability to successfully lead an organization,” said Alexander Cutler, Eaton chairman and chief executive officer. “In addition, his global experience will be a benefit to us as the company continues to grow and we work to build capabilities in our regions. I’m confident that he will continue to be a strong member of our senior leadership team.”

McGill holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Miami University in Ohio. He will relocate to Cleveland from Shanghai, China.

Cutler continued, “On behalf of all Eaton employees, I want to thank Sue for the extraordinary job she has done of leading our Human Resource, Ethics and Ombudsman teams over these past 15 years. Sue has been a valued member of our senior leadership team and a champion of doing business right. I am delighted she agreed to lead our new WHQ project.”

Cook joined Eaton in 1995 as the vice president, human resources. She holds a master’s degree in business administration in personnel management and industrial relations from Loyola University in Illinois and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Colorado. Cook will continue to be located in Cleveland.