Former U.S. Under Secretary of State Recognized for Transformational Leadership
and $4.5 Trillion Global Productivity Impact
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University announced Sept. 16 that noted alumnus Keith Krach — chair and co-founder of the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue, former U.S. under secretary of state, and business executive — has been named the 2025 recipient of the M. Eugene Merchant Manufacturing Medal.
The prestigious award, jointly awarded by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and SME (formerly known as the Society of Manufacturing Engineers) is considered among the manufacturing sector’s highest honors, recognizing exceptional innovation and leadership that advance the science and practice of manufacturing.
“Keith Krach’s receipt of the M. Eugene Merchant Manufacturing Medal is more than a recognition of his achievements over the decades — it’s also a signal of the kind of leadership America needs now,” said Purdue President Mung Chiang. “His ability to translate engineering excellence and economic strategy into global impact has redefined how we build, how we lead and how we compete. At the intersection of technology and diplomacy, few have done more to advance U.S. productivity, resilience and freedom.”
Krach’s journey of innovation, leadership and national service was highlighted in a recent Life & News article, “The $4.5 Trillion Productivity Architect: How Keith Krach Rewired Trust, Technology, and American Competitiveness.” Krach’s leadership has driven an estimated $4.5 trillion in cumulative global productivity gains, spanning five sectors and four decades — including robotics, engineering automation, business-to-business e-commerce, digital business productivity and semiconductor manufacturing.
