Timken Appoints Lucian Boldea as New President and CEO in Strategic Transition

Timken Names Lucian Boldea President and CEO

The Timken Company, a recognized global leader in engineered bearings and industrial motion, has made a significant leadership change by appointing Lucian Boldea as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. The announcement signifies a strategic move to further enhance Timken's growth trajectory and product offerings, as the company prepares for a new chapter under Boldea's leadership beginning September 1, 2025.

Lucian Boldea brings a wealth of experience to Timken, having previously served as the President and CEO of Industrial Automation at Honeywell, where he managed a global operation generating over $10 billion in revenue and employing around 31,000 individuals across numerous manufacturing sites worldwide. His extensive 25-year career in the industrial sector is marked by a strong record of strategic innovation and operational excellence. The transition comes after Richard G. Kyle, who held the CEO position from 2014 to 2024, served as Interim CEO since March, guiding the company during a critical period.

John Timken, Chairman of the Board, expressed confidence in Boldea's capabilities, stating that the Board is certain he is the ideal candidate to advance Timken’s strategic goals and strengthen stakeholder value. Boldea’s leadership philosophy aligns closely with Timken’s core values, emphasizing innovation and customer commitment. He has a proven track record of driving transformational change within organizations, particularly during his tenure at Honeywell, where he spearheaded initiatives focused on integrating advanced technologies into manufacturing operations, including artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT).

In response to his appointment, Boldea stated, “I’m honored to join Timken, a company recognized globally for its outstanding products and commitment to excellence. I look forward to working alongside the Timken leadership team and engaging with our employees, customers, and partners as we focus on diversifying our portfolio and enhancing our operational capabilities for sustainable growth.”

Boldea’s educational background adds further value to his leadership profile. He holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Florida, an MBA in finance from the prestigious Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of West Florida. His scientific acumen coupled with his business education positions him uniquely to drive Timken forward in both innovation and market strategy.

As Timken continues to evolve, the appointment of Boldea comes at a pivotal time. Boasting over 125 years of expertise and innovation, Timken is well-positioned to leverage Boldea’s experience in industrial automation and advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance its product lineup and operational efficiency. The company recorded sales of approximately $4.6 billion in 2024 and currently employs around 19,000 people globally, operating in 45 countries.

In his new role, Boldea will be based at Timken’s headquarters in North Canton, Ohio. His appointment not only marks a fresh leadership perspective for Timken but also signals the company's intent to further engage with technological advancements that drive competitiveness in the evolving industrial landscape.

Overall, the transition to new leadership is viewed positively within the industry, with many stakeholders optimistic about the future direction of Timken under Boldea's stewardship. As the company looks ahead, the blend of innovative technology applications and strong operational frameworks laid out by Boldea will be critical in navigating the complexities of the global market, ensuring Timken remains a leader in engineered solutions for years to come.