William M. Eaton (July 23, 1856 – September 29, 1923) was an American business executive who managed various utility companies and was the second president of General Motors.
In 1903, he joined the Grand Rapids Gas Light Company as vice president and general manager.
[2] From 1907 to 1914, Eaton worked for Hoodenpyle, Hardy & Co. of New York City, where he was a member of the operating committee for Commonwealth Power, Railway, and Light Company's electric and gas properties and worked on hydropower projects on the Au Sable and Muskegon Rivers.
[3] In 1910, GM was taken over by a group of financiers, who installed a new management team led by James J.
He served as president of the board that developed Ella Sharp Park and was a director of several local businesses.