Darius Adamczyk | B.S. College of Engineering, 1988
Darius Adamczyk, executive chairman and former CEO of Honeywell, is a visionary leader whose professional excellence, personal resilience and lasting connection to Michigan State University have earned him the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award. A proud Spartan, Darius graduated from MSU’s College of Engineering in 1988 with a degree in electrical and computer engineering, an experience that ignited his passion for innovation and leadership.
Born in Poland, Darius immigrated to the United States at age 11 and settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Learning English and adapting to a new culture came with challenges, but those early experiences shaped his determination and commitment to excellence. His immigrant roots remain a meaningful part of his story, inspiring his work ethic and his drive to achieve at the highest levels.
Following his time at MSU, Darius earned a master’s degree in computer engineering from Syracuse University and an MBA from Harvard University. He completed General Electric’s renowned Edison Engineering Program and furthered his executive education at Wharton and Duke. His career began at GE and progressed through strategic leadership roles at Booz Allen Hamilton and Ingersoll-Rand before becoming CEO of Metrologic Inc., which was acquired by Honeywell in 2008.
Darius rose through Honeywell’s leadership ranks, ultimately serving as CEO and chairman of the board. During his tenure, he led a company-wide digital transformation, a legacy he is especially proud of. He championed the creation of Honeywell Forge, a cloud-based industrial IoT platform, and orchestrated $7.5 billion in strategic divestitures to modernize the company. He also relocated Honeywell’s global headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina, reinforcing his belief in bold leadership and long-term growth.
Darius’s contributions to MSU include hosting students at Honeywell, mentoring future engineers, supporting Spartan Athletics, and offering guidance during institutional transitions. He received the John D. Ryder Electrical and Computer Engineering Alumni Award and has consistently served as a dedicated ambassador for MSU.
Elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2023 and honored by organizations such as Institutional Investor, the Yale School of Management, and the Foreign Policy Association, Darius exemplifies the ideals of the Distinguished Alumni Award. His leadership reflects global impact and personal resilience.