Craig Arnold

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eaton

Craig Arnold, born into a modest family, spent his early childhood in Southern California, where he was raised by hardworking parents who instilled in him strong values of diligence and perseverance.

He attended local public schools for his primary education, demonstrating a keen intellect and an early interest in business. After graduating from high school, Craig pursued higher education at California State University, San Bernardino, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Driven by his ambition to excel in the corporate world, Craig furthered his education by obtaining a master’s degree in business administration from Pepperdine University. Equipped with a solid academic foundation, he embarked on his professional journey, ready to make his mark in the business arena.

Craig began his illustrious career at General Electric Company in 1983, where he swiftly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional leadership skills and strategic acumen. Over the years, he held various executive positions within the company, including corporate vice president and president of GE Plastics, Greater China, and GE Appliances, Asia.

In 1999, Craig transitioned to the role of corporate vice president and president of GE Lighting Services Ltd., where he spearheaded the company’s lighting business across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India. His tenure at GE was marked by notable achievements and significant contributions to the company’s growth and success.

In 2000, Craig joined Eaton, a global intelligent power management company, as senior vice president and group executive of the Fluid Power Group. His visionary leadership and business acumen quickly propelled him to the position of vice chairman and chief operating officer of the company’s Industrial Sector in 2009.

In 2015, Craig’s exceptional leadership qualities were once again recognized when he was appointed president and chief operating officer of Eaton. Shortly thereafter, he assumed the role of chairman and CEO on June 1, 2016, cementing his position as a key figure in the company’s leadership.

In addition to his role at Eaton, Craig serves as lead board director for Medtronic, Inc. and sits on the board of directors for the Business Roundtable. He is actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including serving on the advisory board of The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland and the boards of Greater Cleveland Partnership and the United Way of Greater Cleveland.

Throughout his career, Craig Arnold has been lauded for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the business community. He is a recipient of numerous accolades and awards, recognizing his outstanding achievements and commitment to excellence.

Craig’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of corporate leadership serves as an inspiration to aspiring professionals worldwide. His dedication to driving innovation, fostering diversity, and making a positive impact on society continues to shape the future of the business landscape.