Rockwell names new lead director

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Rockwell Automation Inc. said Friday that its board elected Verne G. Istock, retired chairman and president of Bank One Corp., as its lead director.

Istock has been a board member since 2003 and serves on the audit and board composition and governance committees.

Rockwell said its lead director will preside at all independent director sessions of the board and will serve as an "additional avenue for communications" with independent directors.

The company, based in Milwaukee, makes industrial equipment and software.

Rockwell Automation rose 97 cents to close at $86.37.