Donaldson names chief operating officer Richard Lewis as CEO

Donaldson Company, Inc. announced that its board of directors has elected Chief Operating Officer Richard Lewis as president and chief executive officer, effective March 2, 2026.

Lewis will succeed Tod Carpenter, who will transition to the role of executive chairman after a 30-year career at the company, including 11 years as president and chief executive officer. Lewis will also join Donaldson’s Board of Directors as part of the leadership transition.

According to the company, the appointment reflects a long-term succession planning process and is intended to provide continuity in leadership and operations. The board credited Carpenter with expanding revenue and profitability, strengthening the company’s operating model, and reinforcing its corporate culture during his tenure.

Lewis joined Donaldson in 2002 and was appointed chief operating officer in August 2025. He has held multiple senior leadership positions across the organization, including responsibility for global operations and serving as president of the company’s Mobile Solutions and Life Sciences businesses.

Donaldson stated that Lewis’s experience across its businesses and operations positions him to lead the company through its next phase while maintaining focus on customers, operational execution, and long-term value creation.