Eaton has named Gustavo Cruz as director, sales, Automotive North America, reporting to Staci Kroon, president, Automotive North America, effective June 1. Cruz most recently served as general manager, Hydraulics, South America and Mexico, for Eaton. He will be based in Southfield, Michigan.

“Gustavo’s broad leadership experience and customer knowledge make him an excellent fit for this role,” said Kroon. “We are pleased to have Gustavo’s talent and enthusiasm as we continue to grow this important part of our business.”

Cruz joined Eaton in 1997 as a line manager in Brazil, was named general manager of Eaton’s Vehicle Group Inoac joint venture from 2008 until 2011, and has held various positions within Eaton and the Vehicle Group in engineering, manufacturing, program management and plant management.

Cruz holds a master’s degree in business administration from Indiana University, a Post-Graduate Degree in business administration from the São Paolo Business Administration School, and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical production engineering from the University of São Paolo.