Diebold Incorporated, North Canton, Ohio, announced Thomas W. Swidarski, president and chief executive officer, is stepping down from the company and its board of directors, effective immediately. In addition, George S. Mayes, Jr., executive vice president, global operations, was promoted by the board to the newly created position of chief operating officer, reporting directly to Henry D.G. Wallace, Diebold executive chairman of the board. Wallace will assume regular oversight of the company until a new CEO is hired; Mayes will be responsible for daily operations. The search process for a new chief executive is currently underway.