Eaton is a power management company with 2016 sales of $19.7 billion. We provide energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton is dedicated to improving the quality of life and the environment through the use of power management technologies and services. Eaton has approximately 95,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries.
Because of the pivotal role we play, Eaton is committed to creating and maintaining powerful customer relationships built on a foundation of excellence. From the products we manufacture to our dedicated customer service and support, we know what’s important to you.
At Eaton, we make what matters work. By making power safe, efficient and reliable, we improve the quality of life for those who experience our products and services. We have the power to make a difference and we do that every day.
As a global power management company, we help our customers solve their greatest power challenges through our industry leading electrical, aerospace, hydraulic and vehicle businesses. We are dedicated to manufacturing excellence and to providing innovative products that make our customers more successful.
We transfer knowledge, learnings and successes through the Eaton Business System, a standard system of processes and procedures that drives consistent execution across all our businesses and regions of the world. This integrated operating focus allows us to deliver strong, consistent results to our shareholders.
Eaton is also a value-based organization committed to making a positive impact on society and in our communities around the world. And it begins with our own employees. For those who work here, we strive to make work meaningful and to be a company where they can grow as people and as professionals.
We appreciate your interest in our website and I invite you to learn more about Eaton and how what we do may fit with your personal and career goals.
Eaton is a power management company. What makes Eaton distinct is our power management focus, our values-based culture and our philosophy to run the enterprise as an integrated operating company. The Eaton Business System (EBS) is the embodiment of our integrated operating company philosophy - it is how we work at Eaton and how we run our company in a common way.
Eaton Corporation plc Leadership Structure
Our governance structure follows a successful leadership model under which the Chief Executive Officer of Eaton Corporation also serves as Chairman of the Board of the Company. Recognizing that different leadership models may work well for other companies at different times depending upon individual circumstances, we believe that our Company has been well served by the combined Chief Executive Officer and Chairman leadership structure and that this approach has continued to be highly effective with the addition of a Lead Director. We believe we have benefited greatly from having a Chairman who sets the tone and direction for the Company while also having the primary responsibility as Chief Executive Officer for managing Eaton’s day-to-day operations, and allowing the Board to carry out its strategic, governance, oversight and decision-making responsibilities with the equal involvement of each director.
Our Board is composed primarily of independent directors, except for our Chairman, Mr. Arnold, and Mr. Fearon. Of our 10 non-employee directors, five are currently serving or have served as a chief executive officer of a publicly traded company. The Audit, Compensation and Organization, Finance and Governance Committees are chaired by independent directors. Our Chairman has benefited from the extensive leadership experience represented on our Board of Directors.
The Board evaluates the leadership structure annually, and it will continue to do so as circumstances change, including when a new Chief Executive Officer is elected. In its February 2017 annual evaluation, the Board concluded that the current leadership structure - under which the Chief Executive Officer of Eaton Corporation serves as Chairman of the Board of the Company, our Board committees are chaired by independent directors, and a Lead Director assumes specific responsibilities on behalf of the independent directors - remains the optimal board leadership structure for our Company and our shareholders at the present time.
Lead Director
Christopher M. Connor, who has served on Eaton’s Board since 2006, was first elected Lead Director by our independent directors in 2016. The Lead Director has specific responsibilities, including chairing meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present (including Executive Sessions of the Board), approving the agenda and schedule for Board meetings on behalf of the independent directors, approving information sent to the Board, serving as liaison between the Chairman and the independent directors, and being available for consultation and direct communications with shareholders and other Company stakeholders. The Lead Director has the authority to call meetings of the independent directors and to retain outside advisors who report directly to the Board of Directors. The Lead Director’s performance is assessed annually by the Board in a process led by the Chair of the Governance Committee, and the position of Lead Director is elected annually by our independent directors.
Every day Eaton develops and delivers innovative new technologies that touch people at home, work and play. Technology makes it possible for all of us to accomplish things we once thought impossible. By engaging thought leaders in science, technology, innovation and engineering, we passionately pursue ideas and products that are changing how we live. For Eaton, innovation is more than just a process, it is the creative realization of the impact we can have on the lives of people around the world.
The Electrical Sector is a global leader in electrical products, systems and services for power quality, distribution and control, power transmission, and lighting and wiring products. Products include electrical and industrial components, residential products, single- and three-phase power quality, emergency lighting, fire detection, wiring devices, structural support systems, circuit protection, lighting products, power distribution and assemblies, hazardous duty electrical equipment, intrinsically safe explosion-proof instrumentation, utility power distribution, power reliability equipment, and services. The principal markets for the Electrical Products and Electrical Systems and Services segments are industrial, institutional, governmental, utility, commercial, residential and information technology. These products are used wherever there is a demand for electrical power in commercial buildings, data centers, residences, apartment and office buildings, hospitals, factories, and utilities.
The Hydraulics segment is a leading manufacturer of hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment. Eaton offers a wide range of power products including pumps, motors and hydraulic power units; a broad range of controls and sensing products including valves, cylinders and electronic controls; a full range of fluid conveyance products including industrial and hydraulic hose, fittings, and assemblies, thermoplastic hose and tubing, couplings, connectors, and assembly equipment; filtration systems solutions; heavy-duty drum and disc brakes; and golf grips. The principal markets for the Hydraulics segment include oil and gas, renewable energy, marine, agriculture, construction, mining, forestry, utility, material handling, truck and bus, machine tools, molding, primary metals, and power generation.
The Aerospace segment is a leading global supplier of aerospace fuel, hydraulics, and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use. Products include hydraulic power generation systems for aerospace applications including pumps, motors, hydraulic power units, hose and fittings, electro-hydraulic pumps and power and load management systems; controls and sensing products including valves, cylinders, electronic controls, electromechanical actuators, sensors, displays and panels, aircraft flap and slat systems and nose wheel steering systems; fluid conveyance products, including hose, thermoplastic tubing, fittings, adapters, couplings, sealing and ducting; and fuel systems including fuel pumps, sensors, valves, adapters and regulators. The principal markets for the Aerospace segment are manufacturers of commercial and military aircraft and related after-market customers.
The Vehicle segment is a leader in the design, manufacture, marketing, and supply of drivetrain and powertrain systems and critical components that reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, stability, performance, and safety of cars, light trucks and commercial vehicles. Products include transmissions, clutches, hybrid power systems, superchargers, engine valves and valve actuation systems, cylinder heads, locking and limited slip differentials, transmission and engine controls, fuel vapor components, compressor control clutches for mobile refrigeration, fluid connectors and hoses for air conditioning and power steering, underhood plastic components, fluid conveyance products including, hose, thermoplastic tubing, fittings, adapters, couplings and sealing products for the global vehicle industry. The principal markets for the Vehicle segment are original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket customers of heavy-, medium-, and light-duty trucks, SUVs, CUVs, passenger cars and agricultural equipment.
Eaton’s creativity and innovation in developing and taking new products to market is only the beginning. We also offer our customers effective solutions and systems to help them keep their businesses moving forward every day. Eaton knows that you need more than just brilliant ideas to succeed. In a constantly changing global economy you also need outstanding service and support to grow and prosper.