Graco Inc. (NYSE:GGG) announced today that Christian E. Rothe has been
appointed as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
effective September 1, 2015. Mr. Rothe succeeds James A. Graner who
announced his planned retirement from the Company last year.
“Jim Graner has played a pivotal role in shaping Graco’s business for
more than 40 years,” said Graco President and CEO Patrick J. McHale.
“His insight, intellect, and character has helped define Graco’s
strategies, our culture, and our success. On behalf of Graco's Board of
Directors and shareholders, I thank Jim for his service and innumerable
contributions. We wish Jim and his family all the best upon his
retirement.”
Mr. Rothe is currently Graco’s Vice President and Treasurer, a role he
has held since joining the company in 2011. Prior to his appointment at
Graco, Mr. Rothe held a series of finance roles of increasing
responsibility at Gardner Denver, Inc., including Vice President and
Treasurer, Vice President, Finance - Industrial Products Segment, and
Director of Strategic Planning and Development. Gardner Denver, an
industrial flow control manufacturer, was a member of the S&P Midcap 400
prior to being acquired by KKR in 2013.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Rothe held various corporate finance and
business development roles at Ridley Inc. and HickoryTech Corporation.
Mr. Rothe holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the
Herberger School of Business at St. Cloud State University and an MBA
from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. He has
a CPA certification in the State of Illinois.
“Since joining Graco, Christian has become a highly respected member of
our management team who consistently provides unique perspectives and
ideas drawn from personal experience and a rich knowledge of the
external factors which must be considered when driving for growth and
profitability,” said McHale. “Christian has a thorough understanding of
our business and financial structure which will allow for a seamless
transition to his new role as CFO. Further, his operational, corporate
finance and M&A experience will help drive the Company's organic and
inorganic growth strategies.”
ABOUT GRACO
Graco Inc. supplies technology and expertise for the management of
fluids and coatings in both industrial and commercial applications. It
designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment to move,
measure, control, dispense, and spray fluid and powder materials. A
recognized leader in its specialties, Minneapolis-based Graco serves
customers around the world in the manufacturing, processing,
construction, and maintenance industries. For additional information
about Graco Inc., please visit us at www.graco.com
or on Twitter @GracoInc.
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