Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corp. recently announced that Staci L. Kroon has been named president – automotive, North America division, reporting to Ken Davis, president – vehicle group, effective Jan. 1, 2013. Kroon, most recently senior vice-president and general manager for Eaton's commercial vehicle transmission business, will be based in Marshall, Mich. She succeeds Jake Hooks who will retire from Eaton on March 1, 2013. A search for Kroon's successor is underway.
"Staci's success in key roles at Eaton combined with her substantial experience in automotive and truck markets make her uniquely qualified to lead our North American team," said Davis. "We are pleased to have such a talented individual leading this important region."
Since joining Eaton in 1996, Kroon has held numerous business, manufacturing and plant management positions including the roles of general manager of the heavy duty transmissions business in North America, director of business development, business unit manager and manufacturing operations manager for Eaton's automotive business.
Kroon earned her master's degree in manufacturing management from the University of Cambridge, and bachelor's degrees in finance and mechanical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
Davis continued, "On behalf of Eaton, I want to thank Jake for his outstanding contributions during his career with the company. He's been instrumental in helping structure the automotive business into what it is today. Under Jake's leadership, our North American automotive business remained profitable during the 2009 economic downturn. Jake has also positioned the business for substantial growth with key customer wins in the variable valve lifter, supercharger and valve product lines. We wish him the very best in his retirement."
Hooks began his career with Aeroquip Corp., as a product engineer in 1978 and joined Eaton in 1999 as vice president and general manager of the global hose division. He was named to his current role in 2009.
