The Timken Co. announced the appointment of Alastair R. Deane as Senior Vice President — Technology, reporting to President and CEO James W. Griffith. Deane will lead Timken's global technology efforts in support of generating value and achieving the company's growth targets.

Succeeding Salvatore J. Miraglia, who was named President of Timken's Steel Group on Aug. 5, 2005, Deane will oversee Timken's global network of technical centers. He will be based out of the Timken technology center in North Canton, Ohio.

"We're changing the DNA of this company and infusing our work with a deeper understanding of how technology can revolutionize the way we do business," said Griffith. "Al is a leader with a potent mix of technical knowledge, business savvy and strategic vision. Under his leadership, we will further harness the power of Timken innovation to drive higher levels of value for our customers and propel the company forward into new markets and technologies."

Before joining Timken, Deane was Senior Vice President of Engineering at GKN Driveline, a global supplier of driveline components and systems. While at GKN Driveline, he held a range of global engineering responsibilities in automotive sideshafts, propshafts and torque-management products. He also has nearly 20 years of engineering experience in automotive brake components and anti-lock brake systems with The Kelsey-Hayes Company and Bosch.

Deane, who begins work at Timken on Dec. 12, 2005, received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan.