Donaldson Names COO Richard Lewis as Next CEO in Planned Succession
Event summary
- Richard Lewis, current COO, will become President and CEO of Donaldson Company effective March 2, 2026.
- Tod Carpenter, current CEO, transitions to Executive Chairman after 30 years, including 11 as CEO.
- Lewis joined Donaldson in 2002 and has held senior roles across global operations and business segments.
- Carpenter's tenure saw revenue and profit expansion, operational model strengthening, and long-term shareholder value creation.
The big picture
Donaldson's leadership transition comes at a time when the company is well-positioned, with a strong operational model and a track record of shareholder value creation. The succession plan reflects a strategic focus on continuity and long-term growth, aligning with broader industry trends toward stable governance and operational excellence in the industrial filtration sector. The company's global footprint and diverse product segments position it to navigate market dynamics effectively.
What we're watching
- Strategic Continuity
- How Lewis will maintain the momentum established under Carpenter's leadership, particularly in revenue and profit growth.
- Operational Excellence
- Whether Lewis can sustain the operational discipline and culture of excellence that defined Carpenter's tenure.
- Market Positioning
- The pace at which Donaldson can innovate and adapt to evolving filtration technology demands across its segments.
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