DALLAS - The board of directors of Lennox International Inc. (LII) has appointed Richard L. Thompson as chairman, succeeding John W. Norris Jr. who retired on July 21. Thompson had been vice chairman since Feb. 28, 2005, and an LII board member since 1993.

"I am pleased to see Rich being appointed chairman on my retirement," Norris said. "I know his manufacturing experience and leadership on the LII board over the past 13 years will be deeply valued as the company moves forward."

Thompson is a former group president for Caterpillar Inc., a manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. Thompson also serves as a director for Gardner Denver, Inc., a manufacturer of air compressors, blowers, and petroleum pumps; and for NiSource Inc., a natural gas and electric utility. He is also a former director of the National Association of Manufacturers, the nation's largest industrial trade association, and Proctor Community Hospital in Peoria, Ill.

"During John's 46 years of service to the company and the HVACR industry, including the past 15 as chairman of LII, the company has grown from a largely domestic business of $50.8 million to a $3.4 billion international corporation," Thompson said. "Certainly he will be missed by all of us at LII and in the industry, but I am excited at the opportunity to continue working with our board and executive staff as the company begins a new period of growth."

Publication date: 07/24/2006