Barbara Speer and David Speer, chairman-CEO of Illinois Tool Works Inc., cosponsors of the 2008 Lyric Opera Opera Ball. Photo: Cheri Eisenberg/Lyric Opera of Chicago
David B. Speer is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Illinois Tool Works (ITW).
Education: B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering, Iowa State University, 1973 MBA, The Kellogg School of Business, Northwestern University, 1977
Personal: Married to Barbara Speer
Background: Mr. Speer joined ITW in 1978 and has held various selling, marketing and general management responsibilities within the Construction Products organization. In 1984, he became General Manager of ITW’s Buildex business and assumed additional responsibilities for the Ramset/Red Head business in 1987 and for the Canadian Construction Products businesses from 1988. In 1992, he became General Manager of the Paslode North American businesses.
In September 1993, he became Group Vice President of the Construction Products organization, with responsibility for the global Buildex businesses, the Canadian Construction businesses and the Paslode North American businesses. In 1994, the Paslode European businesses were added to his responsibilities and in January 1995 the Asia Pacific Construction Products businesses. In September 1995, he became Executive Vice President of the global Construction Products businesses. In 1997, he added the additional responsibilities of ITW’s Finishing Systems businesses globally. In 2003, Mr. Speer transferred responsibilities for the Finishing Systems businesses to another ITW Executive Vice President while assuming responsibility for the global Wilsonart 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.
Board member, Rockwell Automation Advisory Board member, Northwestern University’s Masters of Manufacturing and Management Program Board member, Chicago Council on Global Affairs Board member, the Executives’ Club of Chicago Board member, Rush Medical Center Board member, Museum of Science and Industry Board member, Economic Club of Chicago Member, The Commercial Club Member, The Business Council Trustee, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Trustee, Museum of Science and Industry
