Eaton appoints Kaled Awada as Executive VP and Chief Human Resources Officer

Announcing Awada’s appointment, the company stated, “Awada will be responsible for leading Eaton’s global end-to-end talent strategy, encompassing leadership and organizational development, compensation and benefits, and employee experience from talent acquisition to retention. He will report to Paulo Ruiz, Chief Executive Officer, and will join the company’s executive leadership team.”

In his new role, Awada brings over two decades of HR leadership experience. He most recently served PG&E as Executive VP and Chief People Officer, overseeing the entire people strategy, including talent acquisition, total rewards, labor relations, coworker growth and development, and change management. Previously, Awada worked with Tenneco as EVP and CHRO, and Aptiv as Vice President of HR. 

This appointment marks his return to Eaton, where he began his career in 2006 and served for nearly a decade in key roles across electrical, industrial, corporate, and regional HR teams.

Welcoming Awada to the leadership team, CEO Ruiz said, “I’m thrilled to welcome Kaled, a familiar name to many in our organization, back to Eaton. His diverse experience across the full breadth of human resource disciplines, deep understanding of business operations, and values-based leadership approach will have a meaningful impact at Eaton. I’m confident that Kaled’s experience in designing talent strategies that align strategy, people, and customers - along with his skills in driving culture at moments of change - will bring a fresh perspective as we continue to lead, invest, and execute for growth.” 

Awada shared on LinkedIn, “After 10 years away, I recently returned to Eaton and found myself pausing on a bright fall morning to capture this photo and reflect on my homecoming. This company has taken me across continents, shaped multiple industries – and it certainly shaped me... 

Today, we’re executing a new strategy for growth, and I’m back as CHRO to help lead our Global HR function through it. I’ve been asked what’s stayed the same. My answer: the values, the culture, and the passion of our people. And to that, I’ll add – there’s never been a better time to be here.”

On the academic front, Awada holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Organizational Management from The Ohio State University, and certifications from the CHRO Association and the Center of Executive Compensation