Graco Names New CFO

Current Graco VP and Treasurer Christian Rothe takes over the position effective Sept. 1, succeeding James Graner.

MINNEAPOLIS — Graco Inc., a supplier of technology and expertise for fluid and coatings management in industrial and commercial applications, announced Monday that Christian E. Rothe has been appointed as the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer effective Sept. 1. 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,” Graco President and CEO Patrick J. McHale said. “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.

“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.”

Graco designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense, and spray fluid and powder materials. The Minneapolis-based company serves customers around the world in the manufacturing, processing, construction, and maintenance industries.

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