David B. Speer

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

David B. Speer is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), a Fortune 150 diversified industrial manufacturer of highly engineered components and industrial systems and consumables. With nearly 100 years of history, ITW's products include value-added consumables, equipment and service businesses serving customers in a variety of markets around the globe. The Company's key business platforms include automotive, welding, industrial packaging, food equipment, construction, test and measurement, electronics, decorative surfaces and automotive aftermarket. ITW employs more than 60,000 people worldwide with revenues of $15.9 billion in 2010 with more than half of these revenues generated outside of the United States.

Mr. Speer joined ITW in 1978 and has held various selling, marketing, general management and group management responsibilities within the Construction Products organization. In September 1995, he became Executive Vice President with responsibilities for the global Construction Products businesses. In 1997, he added the additional responsibilities of ITW's Finishing Systems businesses globally. In 2003, Mr. Speer assumed responsibility for the global Wilsonart businesses in addition to his responsibilities for the Construction Products businesses. In August 2004, he was named President of ITW. In August 2005, Mr. Speer was elected to the position of Chief Executive Officer and in May 2006 he assumed the additional responsibilities as Chairman.

Mr. Speer graduated from Iowa State University in 1973, earning a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering. In 1977, he received a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from The Kellogg School of Business, Northwestern University.

Mr. Speer is a member of the Board of Directors of Rockwell Automation and the Advisory Board of Northwestern University’s Masters of Manufacturing and Management Program. He is on the Boards of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the Executives’ Club of Chicago, Rush Medical Center, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Economic Club of Chicago. Mr. Speer is also a member of The Commercial Club and The Business Council.

Mr. Speer is a member of the Board of Directors of Rockwell Automation and Deere & Company. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of Northwestern University and is on the Boards of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the Executives' Club of Chicago, Rush University Medical Center, the Museum of Science and Industry, The Economic Club of Chicago, Junior Achievement of Chicago, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and United Way of Metro Chicago.

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