Parker elects new CEO and president
Parker Hannifin Corporation elected company veterans Thomas L. Williams as chief executive officer and Lee C. Banks as president and chief operating officer, effective Feb. 1.
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Thomas L. Williams |
Lee C. Banks |
Donald E. Washkewicz, who served as chief executive officer since 2001, chairman of the board since 2004 and president since 2006, will continue as chairman. Williams and Banks have also been elected as members of Parker's board of directors, effective immediately.
"Over the past decade, both Tom and Lee have been exposed to the entire global organization, including broad executive leadership preparation and strategy development," said Washkewicz. "They each bring significant experience with all of Parker's operating groups and have led the growth and development of Parker's position in emerging markets. They are supported by a strong management team, all with the common goal of driving outstanding results across Parker's businesses."
As an operating officer of the company since 2006, Williams has had leadership responsibility for the Aerospace, Filtration, Engineered Materials, Instrumentation, Climate and Industrial Controls, Hydraulics, Fluid Connectors and Automation product groups and the Asia Pacific and Latin America regional groups. He also currently oversees the company's strategic pricing initiatives. He joined Parker in 2003 as vice president, Operations for the Hydraulics Group and in 2005 became president of the Instrumentation Group.
"I am honored and excited to accept this new role as chief executive officer of Parker and will focus on continuing to build on its strong foundation, momentum, customer focus and innovative mindset," said Williams. "Our goal will be to continue driving significant operational improvements, profitable growth and product and service innovations for our customers. Parker has been at the forefront of technological advances for nearly a century and it is our vision to stay on the front line of innovation for the next 100 years."
As an operating officer of the company since 2006, Banks has had leadership responsibility for the Filtration, Engineered Materials, Instrumentation, Climate and Industrial Controls, Hydraulics, Fluid Connectors and Automation product groups and the Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America regional groups. Previously, he was the president of Parker's Hydraulics and Instrumentation product groups and was vice president of Operations in the Climate and Industrial Controls Group. He began his career with Parker in 1991 and has also held increasingly responsible positions within sales and operations management including several division general manager positions.
"I look forward to leading Parker's global operations and to representing shareholders on the Board," said Banks. "Our ability to continue to collaborate as a team will help us drive exceptional operating performance. Parker is in a very strong position and I am excited to contribute to seeing us achieve new heights."
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The March/April issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Joyce Lansdale and Vallen. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dirk Beveridge, Frank Hurtte, and David Kahle, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
