SOUTHFIELD – Eaton Corporation announced that Jim Michels has been appointed business communications manager for the company’s Vehicle Group. He will be located in Southfield and report to Tom Nellenbach, director of marketing and communications for the Vehicle Group.
Michels is responsible for leading the strategic planning, deployment and measurement of the Vehicle Group?s communications efforts worldwide. This includes overseeing media and community relations, executive outreach, internal programs and crisis communications in support of Eaton?s product brands and the company?s reputation and leadership.
?Jim is a great addition to our team and has a wealth of experience,? said Nellenbach. ?He has successfully worked in all facets of communications, including leadership positions with global vehicle suppliers, technology companies, advertising agencies, public relations firms and universities.?
Prior to joining Eaton, Michels led the marketing and communications efforts for the University of Michigan?s facilities and operations. He previously worked for ANXeBusiness, Visteon, Young & Rubicam and Hedge & Company. As director of global marketing, he helped develop and implement the communications plan to launch Visteon as a public company.
Michels has a master?s degree in advertising from Michigan State University and a bachelor?s degree in journalism and public relations from Central Michigan University. He also has been a guest lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an adjunct professor of business and marketing at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor.
