Staci Kroon

CLEVELAND, OH — Eaton Corporation has announced Staci Kroon as president of its automotive North America division starting Jan. 1, 2013.

Kroon, formerly the senior vice-president and general manager for Eaton’s commercial vehicle transmission business, will be based in Marshall, MI., reporting to Ken Davis, president of the Vehicle Group.

“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,” Davis said. “We are pleased to have such a talented individual leading this important region.”

Since joining Eaton in 1996, Kroon took 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.

Kroon will be replacing Jake Hooks, who will retire from Eaton on March 1, 2013.

“On behalf of Eaton, I want to thank Jake for his outstanding contributions during his career with the company,” Davis said, commemorating Hooks’ efforts with the company. “He’s been instrumental in helping structure the automotive business into what it is today. 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.