James W. Griffith

Director at Illinois Tool Works

James W. Griffith, 66, retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Timken Company, a manufacturer of bearings, alloy and specialty steels and components, having served in that capacity from 2002 to 2014. From 1999 to 2002, he served as Timken’s President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Griffith joined Timken in 1984 and held positions in various functional areas of Timken with increasing levels of responsibility, including purchasing and logistics, manufacturing and international operations. From 1996 to 1999, he led Timken’s automotive business in North America and Timken’s bearing business activities in Asia and Latin America. Mr. Griffith is currently a director of AB Volvo, a commercial transport solutions company, and has served as a director of ITW since 2012. He previously served as a director of The Timken Company and Goodrich Corporation. He has not served as a director of any other publicly traded company in the last five years. He also previously served as a director of the US China Business Council and a number of other industry and not-for-profit organization boards.

Mr. Griffith’s extensive experience as Chief Executive Officer of a global industrial manufacturer, along with his international business and engineering experience, bring valuable perspectives to our Board.

Timeline

  • Director

    Current role