Hilton, 55, has served since September 2007 as senior vice president and general manager for Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., with specific responsibility for leading the company’s $2 billion global Electronics and Performance Materials segment. He joins Nordson after a 33-year career at Air Products, driving growth and performance in a number of global businesses in a series of increasingly senior leadership roles.
“The Nordson board was enthusiastically unanimous in its selection of Hilton,” said Stephen R. Hardis, Nordson’s lead director. “The board’s process for selecting Nordson’s next leader was a deliberate and thorough one, and included the careful consideration of several worthy external and internal candidates. Mike best fit our criteria of a diversely experienced leader who has consistently delivered shareholder value by driving strong results in sophisticated global businesses with multiple markets, customers, products, and units. He combines his ability to execute with the highest level of personal integrity and a keen understanding of the importance of organizational culture. We believe Mike is the ideal individual to drive Nordson’s continuing success for years to come.”
Hardis also offered his congratulations to Campbell, who will step down from his current responsibilities upon Hilton’s arrival and retire after a short period of transition. “During his 21-year career at Nordson—the last 12 as chief executive officer—Ed guided the company through a period of sustained excellence,” Hardis stated. “During his tenure, he expanded the international portion of Nordson’s sales to 72%, led the move of Nordson into many new technology and high-growth markets, and significantly improved the company’s operating results. [Campbell] retires from Nordson having developed and mentored a strong senior leadership team, leaving the company solidly positioned for future success.”
Current Nordson director Joseph P. Keithley, 60, will succeed Campbell as chairman of the board at the company’s annual meeting of shareholders in February. Keithley is chairman, president and CEO of Keithley Instruments, Inc., and has been a Nordson director since July 2001.