Graco Appoints Lincoln Electric CEO Steven Hedlund to Board of Directors

His appointment brings extensive manufacturing and global business experience to Graco’s board as the company continues to grow its presence in industrial and commercial fluid-handling markets.

Hedlund currently serves as Chairman and CEO of Lincoln Electric, a global manufacturer of welding and fabrication technologies. He became CEO in January 2024 after holding several leadership roles focused on operations, strategy, business development, and company growth.

Before becoming CEO, Hedlund served as Lincoln Electric’s Chief Operating Officer and held several senior leadership roles focused on strategy, operations, and business growth within the company.

Earlier in his career, he was Vice President of Growth and Innovation and Vice President of Strategy and New Business Development at Fortune Brands. He also worked as a Principal at management consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton.

The appointment comes as manufacturers increasingly focus on improving efficiency expanding globally and driving growth through technology. Hedlunds experience leading a global industrial company is expected to bring valuable insight's into strategy market expansion and long term growth.

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Graco develops and manufactures equipment used to move, measure, control, dispense, and spray fluids and powders in industries such as manufacturing, construction, processing, and maintenance. The company serves customers around the world and is a leading provider of fluid and coating management solutions.

“We are delighted to have Steve join the Graco Board of Directors,” said J. Kevin Gilligan, chairman of the board at Graco. “He is a proven leader with a growth-oriented mindset and a track record of driving value creation, including in international markets.”

About Graco

Founded in 1926, Graco started as a small garage-based business created by two brothers with a focus on solving customer challenges through innovation. Nearly 100 years later, the company has grown into a global manufacturer of fluid handling equipment used across a wide range of industries. Graco designs and manufactures thousands of products that help move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluids and powders. Its customers include homeowners, contractors, service centers and manufacturers in industries such as automotive, aerospace, packaging and construction.

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