MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Donaldson Co. announced today that Norm Linnell, vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, will be retiring on Aug. 1. Linnell, 54, joined Donaldson in 1996 as general counsel and secretary and was promoted to vice president in 2000. During Linnell’s tenure, he played a key role in supporting the company’s growth, including its significant international expansions and the DCE and Ultrafilter acquisitions. He also was instrumental in helping the company through the changes in corporate governance with the implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley.
 
"I congratulate Norm on his upcoming retirement and thank him for his strong support of me in my role," said Bill Cook, Donaldson’s CEO. "Norm’s leadership, legal expertise and can-do personality have helped make our legal group an integral part of my management team."
 
As part of the company’s succession planning process, Amy Becker will be promoted to vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, effective Aug. 1. Becker, 49, is currently assistant general counsel. She joined Donaldson in 1998 and was promoted to her current position in 2001. During her 16 years with the company, Becker has been instrumental in building Donaldson’s intellectual property, litigation and compliance functions. Prior to joining Donaldson, Becker was an attorney for Dorsey and Whitney LLP, and was a project manager and corporate counsel for Harmon Ltd. Becker holds bachelor of business administration, MBA, and JD degrees from the University of South Dakota.
 
"Amy’s leadership in developing our legal strategy for establishing and defending our technology assets have been a key part of our strategic growth plans," said Cook. "Amy’s passion for our business and her collaborative efforts with our leaders across the globe make her ideally suited for this new role."