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Graco Inc. <b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">(NYSE:<a...

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Graco Inc. <b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GGG">GGG</a>) </b>announced today that Steven B. Hedlund has been appointed as a member of the company's Board of Directors, effective September 10, 2026.

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Mr. Hedlund is President and Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. <b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LECO">LECO</a>)</b>, a leading manufacturer of advanced arc welding solutions, a role he has held since January 2024. He also serves as its Chairman. Previously, he was Lincoln Electric's Chief Operating Officer and served in various other operating, strategic and business development leadership roles. Before joining Lincoln Electric, Mr. Hedlund was Vice President, Growth and Innovation and Vice President Strategy and New Business Development at Fortune Brands, Inc. Earlier in his career, he was a principal with the management consulting firm of Booz Allen Hamilton. Mr. Hedlund holds both a bachelor's degree and a Master of Business Administration from Dartmouth College.

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"We are delighted to have Steve join the Graco Board of Directors. He is a proven leader with a growth-oriented mindset and a track record of driving value creation, including in international markets," said J. Kevin Gilligan, Graco's Chairman of the Board. "Steve brings with him a deep understanding of the manufacturing sector and global go-to-market strategy development and execution. He is a natural fit for our board, and we look forward to his many contributions to Graco's future success."

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Mr. Hedlund will serve on the company's Audit Committee and Management Organization and Compensation Committee.

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<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">ABOUT GRACO</b>

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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 <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.graco.com%2F&amp;esheet=54552770&amp;newsitemid=20260612770801&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.graco.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=2d375697aa7affad938cf8014ec3a513" shape="rect">www.graco.com</a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" alt="" src="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20260612770801r1&amp;sid=benz2&amp;distro=nx&amp;lang=en" style="width:0;height:0"></img><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwct31415"></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-phrase">View source version on businesswire.com: </span><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-link"><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260612770801/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260612770801/en/</a></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: 
</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Media: 
</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>Meredith Sobieck, 763-353-1498
<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:Meredith_A_Sobieck@graco.com" shape="rect">Meredith_A_Sobieck@graco.com</a>

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<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Investors:  
</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>John Bower, 612-623-6770
<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:John_M_Bower@graco.com" shape="rect">John_M_Bower@graco.com</a>

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Graco Inc. Appoints Steven B. Hedlund to the Board of Directors

Graco appoints Hedlund to board, signaling governance and growth focus

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The Board of Directors of Graco Inc. <b xmlns="http://www.w...

Graco Announces Regular Quarterly Dividend

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
Graco Inc. &lt;b xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;(NYSE:&lt;a...</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Graco announced Steven Hedlund&#039;s appointment to its Board of Directors, effective September 10, 2026. Hedlund serves as CEO and Chairman of Lincoln Electric and has led growth and go-to-market initiatives internationally. The governance-focused addition could influence strategic direction and global operations over the coming 12–24 months, though there is no immediate implication for earnings guidance.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>Graco names Steven Hedlund to its Board of Directors; effective Sep 10, 2026.</li><li>Hedlund is Lincoln Electric&#039;s CEO and Chairman, with global growth experience.</li><li>He will join Graco&#039;s Audit Committee and Management Organization and Compensation Committee.</li><li>Board appointment signals governance depth and international go-to-market expertise for Graco.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>Graco Inc. (GGG)</strong>: Announces Hedlund&#039;s board appointment; governance and strategic oversight implications.</li><li><strong>Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO)</strong>: Steven Hedlund is CEO and Chairman; cross-company leadership background relevant to Graco.</li><li><strong>Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH)</strong>: Hedlund previously principal; signals strategy/analytics experience.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
    <p>Category: Corporate Developments. The article covers a board-level appointment and governance changes rather than earnings, suggesting a potential long-term strategic influence but limited near-term financial impact.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Board appointment signals governance depth with potential long-term strategic impact.</li><li>No immediate earnings or revenue guidance tied to the news.</li><li>Hedlund&#039;s Lincoln Electric background underscores international growth expertise.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>Effective date: September 10, 2026.</li><li>Steven Hedlund: CEO and Chairman of Lincoln Electric since Jan 2024.</li><li>Previously COO at Lincoln Electric; roles at Fortune Brands and Booz Allen Hamilton.</li><li>Graco: Minneapolis-based fluid-management systems supplier.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Bullish over the next 6–12 months as governance depth and international growth experience may enhance Graco&#039;s execution.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<article>
  <section>
    <h2>Graco Inc. Announces Steven Hedlund Appointment to the Board of Directors</h2>
    <p>Graco Inc. <strong>(NYSE: GGG)</strong> announced today that Steven B. Hedlund has been appointed as a member of the company's Board of Directors, effective <strong>September 10, 2026</strong>.</p>
    <p>This appointment strengthens Graco's governance with an accomplished executive who will help guide the company's strategic direction and operating initiatives.</p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h2>Executive Biography: Steven B. Hedlund</h2>
    <p>Mr. Hedlund is President and Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. <strong>(NASDAQ: LECO)</strong>, a leading manufacturer of advanced arc welding solutions, a role he has held since January 2024. He also serves as its Chairman. Previously, he was Lincoln Electric's Chief Operating Officer and served in various other operating, strategic and business development leadership roles. Before joining Lincoln Electric, Mr. Hedlund was Vice President, Growth and Innovation and Vice President Strategy and New Business Development at Fortune Brands, Inc. Earlier in his career, he was a principal with the management consulting firm of Booz Allen Hamilton. Mr. Hedlund holds both a bachelor's degree and a Master of Business Administration from Dartmouth College.</p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h2>Board Appointment Commentary</h2>
    <p>"We are delighted to have Steve join the Graco Board of Directors. He is a proven leader with a growth-oriented mindset and a track record of driving value creation, including in international markets," said J. Kevin Gilligan, Graco's Chairman of the Board. "Steve brings with him a deep understanding of the manufacturing sector and global go-to-market strategy development and execution. He is a natural fit for our board, and we look forward to his many contributions to Graco's future success."</p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <p><strong>Mr. Hedlund will serve on the company's Audit Committee and Management Organization and Compensation Committee.</strong></p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h2>About Graco</h2>
    <p><strong>ABOUT GRACO</strong></p>
    <p>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 <a href="https://www.graco.com" rel="nofollow">www.graco.com</a>.</p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h2>Key Facts & Contacts</h2>
    <ul>
      <li><strong>Appointment:</strong> Steven B. Hedlund to Graco's Board of Directors, effective September 10, 2026</li>
      <li><strong>Current role of Hedlund:</strong> President and Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LECO), and Chairman</li>
      <li><strong>Committee assignments:</strong> Audit Committee; Management Organization and Compensation Committee</li>
      <li><strong>Education:</strong> Dartmouth College — bachelor's degree and MBA</li>
    </ul>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h2>Contact Information</h2>
    <ul>
      <li><strong>Media:</strong> Meredith Sobieck, 763-353-1498</li>
      <li><strong>Email:</strong> Meredith_A_Sobieck@graco.com</li>
      <li><strong>Investors:</strong> John Bower, 612-623-6770</li>
      <li><strong>Email:</strong> John_M_Bower@graco.com</li>
    </ul>
  </section>
</article>

Graco announced Steven Hedlund's appointment to its Board of Directors, effective September 10, 2026. Hedlund serves as CEO and Chairman of Lincoln Electric and has led growth and go-to-market initiatives internationally. The governance-focused addition could influence strategic direction and global operations over the coming 12–24 months, though there is no immediate implication for earnings guidance.

Graco Inc. Appoints Steven B. Hedlund to the Board of Directors

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Corporate Developments

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