Graco Inc. appoints Richard B. Lewis to Board of Directors

Published on September 22, 2026 Time: loading...

Graco Inc. has appointed Richard B. Lewis as a member of its Board of Directors, expanding the company’s board-level expertise in global manufacturing, operations and commercial leadership.

Lewis will officially join the board effective December 3, 2026. He currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), a worldwide provider of filtration products and solutions.

Lewis assumed the chief executive position at Donaldson in March 2026. He also serves on the company’s board of directors.

His appointment adds extensive industrial leadership experience to Graco’s governance structure. Lewis has held several senior positions during his career at Donaldson.

Before becoming President and Chief Executive Officer, he served as Donaldson’s Chief Operating Officer. He also held a broad range of senior leadership roles across the organization.

Those responsibilities included oversight of global operations. He also served as President of Donaldson’s Mobile Solutions and Life Sciences businesses.

Manufacturing and Commercial Experience

Lewis brings experience across multiple areas of industrial business management. His career has included operational leadership, commercial responsibilities and strategic oversight.

His background is particularly relevant to companies operating across international manufacturing markets. Donaldson operates as a global provider of filtration products and solutions.

Lewis has been involved in developing and executing business strategies within that environment. His experience includes leadership of major business operations and specialized market segments.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Louisville. He also earned a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

The combination of engineering education and executive management experience adds another dimension to his new board responsibilities.

Graco Highlights Leadership Background

J. Kevin Gilligan, Graco’s Chairman of the Board, highlighted Lewis’ operational and commercial background following the appointment.

“Rich’s operational and commercial experience and his successful track record in senior leadership positions at a public manufacturing company make him an excellent fit for the Graco Board. He has played an integral role in developing and executing successful strategies in a global organization,” said J. Kevin Gilligan, Graco’s Chairman of the Board. “On behalf of our Board and Directors, I am pleased to welcome Rich to Graco.”

Lewis will serve on Graco’s Audit Committee. The assignment places his financial, operational and public-company experience within an important board committee.

The appointment is effective December 3, 2026.

Graco’s Role in Fluid and Coatings Management

Graco operates in the management of fluids and coatings across industrial and commercial applications. The Minneapolis-based company supplies technology and expertise to customers around the world.

Its portfolio includes systems and equipment designed to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid and powder materials.

The company designs, manufactures and markets these systems and equipment. Its technologies serve a broad range of applications across several industries.

Graco is a recognized leader in its specialties. Its global customer base includes businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, construction and maintenance.

The company’s activities place it within several major industrial markets. These markets require equipment and technologies capable of handling fluid and powder materials across different operating environments.

Board Appointment Adds Industry Expertise

Lewis’ addition comes with experience from a global manufacturing organization. His previous responsibilities at Donaldson have covered both operational and commercial functions.

His leadership history includes responsibility for global operations. It also includes executive oversight of Mobile Solutions and Life Sciences businesses.

That combination provides exposure to diverse industrial markets and business requirements. His role at Donaldson has also involved senior-level strategy and organizational leadership.

The new board member’s experience complements Graco’s position as a supplier of fluid and coatings management technologies. His background spans engineering, business administration, operations and commercial leadership.

The appointment further strengthens the company’s board with an executive who has experience at a public manufacturing company.

Lewis will now contribute to Graco’s Board of Directors while continuing to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of Donaldson Company, Inc. He will also remain a member of Donaldson’s board of directors.

For Graco, the appointment brings additional leadership experience as the Minneapolis-based company continues serving customers across manufacturing, processing, construction and maintenance markets worldwide.