Posted: June 26, 2008
CLEVELAND — Eaton Corp. announced today that Joseph Palchak has been elected to the position of chief executive officer – Automotive Group. Formerly president of the Engine Air Management Business, Palchak reports to Alexander Cutler, Eaton chairman and chief executive officer. He succeeds Scott King, who passed away earlier this month following a battle with cancer.
“Joe brings extensive automotive experience to the position and is uniquely qualified to lead our businesses in meeting the challenges within the global automotive industry,” Cutler said. “He has a very strong operations background and a track record of getting results. He exemplifies our dedication to anticipating the needs of our automotive customers worldwide by delivering innovative solutions with exceptional quality and delivery performance.”
Palchak has served as the president of the group’s Engine Air Management Business since 2005 and before that was president – Powertrain and Specialty Controls Operations. Prior to that, he held a number of assignments within the Automotive Group. Palchak joined Eaton in 1973 following the completion of his bachelor degree in business from Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania. He holds a masters in business administration from the University of Louisville in Kentucky.
Jake Hooks has been named to replace Palchak as president – Engine Air Management Business. He will report to Palchak and be located in Marshall, Mich. Hooks began his career with Aeroquip Corp. in 1978, and joined Eaton via the Aeroquip/Vickers acquisition in 1999 as vice president and general manager of the Global Hose Division. Throughout his career, he has progressed through a number of staff and line assignments including, vice president – Engineering and Product Development; vice president – Operations Excellence; vice president and general manager for the Powertrain Controls Division and most recently as vice president – Sales and Marketing for the Automotive Group, where he has served since 2005. Hooks holds a bachelor of science degree in materials engineering from North Carolina State University and is a graduate of the University of Michigan’s Executive Program.
“We are excited to have Jake take over leadership of the Engine Air Management Business,” said Palchak. “His leadership of our sales and marketing team during these challenging times and his operations experience within the automotive industry position us well for the opportunities we have before us.”
For more information about Eaton Corp., visit: www.eaton.com.
