Eaton names new vehicle group president

Avatar photo

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Eaton Corporation has named Kenneth F. Davis as president of the company’s vehicle group, effective Jan. 1. Davis will be succeeding Joseph P. Palchak who has announced his decision to retire at the end of June.

In his new role, Davis will report to Craig Arnold, vice-chairman and chief operating officer of Eaton’s industrial sector, and will be responsible for the company’s automotive and truck businesses. Davis’ current role as president of the Americas for the vehicle group will not be filled, the company announced.

“Ken’s deep knowledge of the vehicle segment combined with his global business experience and strong leadership skills will be instrumental as we continue to grow in critical markets around the world,” Arnold said. “We are pleased he will be assuming this leadership role.”

Since joining Eaton in 1986, Davis has held various management positions including president of the company’s light- and medium-duty transmission business, and vice-president and general manager for Eaton’s clutch business.

Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Purdue University in Indiana and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan. He will continue to be located in Galesburg, Mich.

Palchak will continue to report to Arnold and will be assisting with the transition in addition to some specific projects until his retirement.

“During the past three years, Eaton’s automotive and truck businesses have come together under Joe’s leadership,” Arnold said. “He has created a streamlined regional organization that adapts quickly to the evolving business environment and responds efficiently to customer needs. I want to thank him for continuously embodying Eaton’s values and for his steadfast leadership of our vehicle group during the recent volatility of the past several years.”

Palchak joined Eaton in 1973 as a trainee with the forge division. Since then he’s served in a variety of leadership positions including president of the automotive group, president of the engine air management business, and president of powertrain and specialty controls operations.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Louisville in Kentucky.

Avatar photo

Truck News is Canada's leading trucking newspaper - news and information for trucking companies, owner/operators, truck drivers and logistics professionals working in the Canadian trucking industry.


Have your say


This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.

*