AKRON, Ohio -- Veyance Technologies has announced that John Hamilton has been named president and CEO, succeeding Timothy Toppen.

Veyance Technologies is the exclusive manufacturer of Goodyear Engineered Products worldwide. In addition to power transmission products, Veyance manufactures and markets Goodyear-branded air springs, automotive belts and hoses, conveyor belts and services, industrial and hydraulic hose, rubber track and molded products.

Hamilton, who most recently was president and CEO of Electro-Motive Diesel in LaGrange, Ill., will assume his new duties on Nov. 8 and will be based in Fairlawn, Ohio.

Hamilton served as president and CEO of Electro-Motive Diesel from 2003 through 2010. In 2003, he worked with private equity backers to acquire Electro-Motive Diesel from General Motors. Under his leadership, the company returned to growth and profitability and was recently sold to Caterpillar.

Prior to Electro-Motive Diesel, Hamilton served in several management and executive positions at Tokheim Corp. (president and CEO), The Harbor Group (group president), Fairchild Fasteners, Honeywell International, McKinsey & Co. and IBM Corp.

Veyance Chairman Thomas Rabaut said, “We are pleased to have John Hamilton leading the company at this important point in Veyance’s history. Veyance is on sound financial footing and we are confident that John and the current management team will build upon the innovative product suite and quality customer service to ensure that Veyance is a leader in the global marketplace for years to come.”

“I am excited to become a part of the Veyance family and to take this great global brand to the next level of growth and profitability," Hamilton said. "I look forward to working with such a talented leadership team and dedicated workforce.”

Rabaut added, “Tim has agreed to be available to John to help ensure a smooth transition. On behalf of the board, we are grateful to Tim Toppen for his service to Veyance and for guiding the company through the Great Recession.”

Toppen said, “It has been a great privilege to work with so many talented and committed people for more than three decades. I look forward to a smooth transition and believe Veyance is in good hands with the proven leadership of John Hamilton.”

Hamilton earned his MBA in economics and marketing from the University of Chicago and his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and computer science from Princeton University.