In Brief: Diebold Hires Electronics Exec to Be CEO

executive of Emerson Electric Co., to be its president and chief executive officer, and it is expected to name him chairman at its annual meeting in April.

The automated teller machine maker hired Mr. O'Dell to help with international expansion, among other things. Mr. O'Dell, 54, has been with St. Louis-based Emerson for 33 years and has broad experience in international operations and business expansion in a variety of technology industries, company officials said. Emerson makes electronics products, tools, and industrial equipment.

The appointment takes effect Monday, when Mr. O'Dell will also join the board of directors.

Diebold said Robert W. Mahoney, 63, who has been chairman and CEO since 1988, has been planning to retire. Former president Gregg Searle, who left the company in September 1998, had been in line to succeed Mr. Mahoney.

-- Helen Stock