David L. Pugh, born on July 15, 1942, is notable for leading Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. as Chairman and CEO from 2002 until his retirement in 2011. A graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, he brought a wealth...

David L. Pugh, born on July 15, 1942, is notable for leading Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. as Chairman and CEO from 2002 until his retirement in 2011. A graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, he brought a wealth of management experience to the role. Under his leadership, the company saw significant financial growth, highlighted by impressive bonus payouts, such as earning $2.24 million in 2010. His tenure was marked by a commitment to long-term performance, illustrated by his participation in various incentive plans that tied compensation to the company’s success. Interestingly, Pugh had an extensive track record of stock trading, with the value of his holdings peaking at over $107 million in early 2024. His retirement agreement included a generous guarantee of payment, highlighting the company's commitment to retaining talent. Even after stepping down, he continued to influence the company by assisting in finding his successor. Pugh’s journey reflects the challenges and successes of corporate leadership in a competitive landscape.