# Sundaram Nagarajan

> Sundaram “Naga” Nagarajan is president and chief executive officer of Nordson Corporation, which he joined in August 2019 after a 23-year career at Illinois Tool Works. Trained in mechanical engineering and materials science, he has led welding and automotive businesses and introduced Nordson’s Ascend Strategy, combining focused investment with authority for division leaders. He also serves on Wesco’s board and several civic and educational boards.

- **Role:** President and Chief Executive Officer at Nordson Corporation
- **Organizations:** Nordson Corporation, Illinois Tool Works (former employer), Hobart Brothers (early career), Wesco International (director), Greater Cleveland Partnership (director), Manufacturers Alliance (trustee), Hawken School (trustee), Indo-American Community Services (advisory board), Sonoco Products Company (former director, 2015-2022)
- **Education:** B.S., mechanical engineering, South Gujarat University, India, M.S., materials science, Auburn University, Ph.D., materials science, Auburn University, MBA, Wright State University
- **Known for:** Led ITW’s $3.3 billion Automotive OEM segment before joining Nordson., Introduced the Ascend Strategy at Nordson in 2021, connecting NBS Next, an owner mindset and team development., Led Nordson when it reported $818 million in fiscal Q3 2026 sales, a 10% year-over-year increase.

## Career timeline

- **1991** — Began work on welding consumables at Hobart Brothers, as described in Nordson’s appointment announcement.
- **1996** — Hobart Brothers was acquired by Illinois Tool Works.
- **2006** — Promoted to group vice president, ITW Welding Group.
- **2008** — Became group president, Welding International.
- **2010-2014** — Executive vice president, ITW Welding, according to the 2019 appointment announcement.
- **2015** — Became executive vice president, ITW Automotive OEM segment, per Nordson’s appointment announcement.
- **2019-08** — Became president, CEO and director of Nordson effective August 1.
- **2021** — Nordson launched the Ascend Strategy during his tenure.
- **2022** — Joined the board of Wesco International.

## Achievements

- Led ITW’s $3.3 billion Automotive OEM segment before joining Nordson.
- Introduced the Ascend Strategy at Nordson in 2021, connecting NBS Next, an owner mindset and team development.
- Led Nordson when it reported $818 million in fiscal Q3 2026 sales, a 10% year-over-year increase.

## Latest updates

- **2026-08** — Nordson reported $818 million in fiscal Q3 sales, up 10% year over year, and increased full-year revenue guidance to $3.035 billion-$3.075 billion.
- **2026-05** — The IACS Executive Leadership Conference agenda listed him as moderator for a fireside conversation with Avient CEO Ashish Khandpur.

## Links

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sundaram-nagarajan-a121562b

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/sundaram-nagarajan
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22