| (
- ) |
| Inducted: |
1999 |
| Region: |
MidWest |
| Industry: |
Manufacturing
|
|
John Nichols became Executive Vice President at Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) in 1980. As a niche engineering firm, ITW was not a household name, but was known on Wall Street for its consistent earnings performance. Immediately recognized for his management style and his ability to be highly productive with a relatively small staff, Nichols quickly ascended through the ranks of ITW and was named Chairman in 1986. Nichols’ emphasis on Research & Development led to the production of a wide variety of innovative industrial products, from fasteners to welding products. |
