CLEVELAND … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced today an expansion of the scope and responsibilities of its external communications function.

“As Eaton continues its global transformation as a power management company, our external communications function has become increasingly important in emphasizing and reinforcing Eaton’s growth, image and reputation,” said Don McGrath, senior vice president – Communications

McGrath announced the appointment of Gary Klasen to vice president – External Communications. Klasen was previously director of external communications. He joined Eaton in 2002 as media relations manager and lives in the Hudson area.

Before joining Eaton, Klasen was a communications director for TRW Inc., where he worked from 1991 to 2001. He had previously been the internal communications director for Sears Merchandise Group in Chicago, where he also worked in media relations. He began his career as a newspaper reporter and editor in the Chicago area. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.

McGrath also announced increased responsibilities for Kelly Jasko, external communications manager, and Hilary Spittle, international communications manager, in communicating Eaton’s growth and global expansion.

Jasko assumes additional responsibilities as Eaton’s external communications manager with an increased focus on business and financial media, and on communicating Eaton’s growth and transformation as a power management company.

She joined Eaton in 2006 from International Paper Company, where she was the communications manager for its Consumer Packaging Group in Memphis. Prior to that, she held positions of increasing responsibility, including media relations at the corporate office and as a communications team coordinator for plant operations. A native of Canton, Ohio, Jasko graduated from the University of Toledo with a bachelor of arts degree in communications. She is a resident of Richfield.

As international communications manager, Spittle has assumed additional responsibility for Eaton’s environmental and sustainability communications. She joined Eaton in December 2007 with responsibility for global external communications strategies and coordinating communication programs in Europe, Latin America and North America.

Spittle previously worked at General Motors, starting with General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) in 1986 as manager of advertising and public relations in Detroit. She moved to Germany in 1995 with GMAC and was later promoted to director of international communications with responsibility for Europe, Asia/Pacific and Latin America.

She became GM’s director of corporate brand strategy and implementation in the United States in 2001 and later directed communications involving corporate philanthropy and responsibility, followed by internal communications for salaried employees and retirees. She is a graduate of the University of Detroit with a bachelor of arts degree in communications. Spittle lives in Cleveland Heights and was formerly in Plymouth, Mich.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2007 sales of $13 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 81,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries.

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