MSA Safety's Board Of Directors Appoint Nishan J. Vartanian As President/CEO And William M. Lambert As Non-Executive Chairman

The Board of Directors of global safety equipment manufacturer, MSA Safety Incorporated (MSA) has announced the appointment of Nishan J. Vartanian to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company and William M. Lambert to the position of Non-Executive Chairman.

Planned management succession

Mr. Vartanian’s election is part of a planned management succession the company announced in December 2017. Mr. Lambert, who will retire from MSA Safety Incorporated as an active full-time employee at the end of the month, has served as MSA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) since 2008 and Chairman since 2015. Mr. Vartanian is the ninth CEO of the 104-year old, Pittsburgh-based company and most recently served as President and Chief Operating Officer of MSA Safety Incorporated.

Nish is a proven leader who is ideally suited to lead MSA into its second century of business"

“I want to congratulate Nish on his election to CEO,” said William M. Lambert, adding “Nish is a proven leader who is ideally suited to lead MSA into its second century of business. In addition to having the experience necessary for this role, Nish possesses great strategic vision, a growth-focused mindset, and the communication and leadership skills that I know will inspire and motivate our associates to achieve great things.”

high performance leadership team

He adds, “I am also honored the Directors of MSA have expressed confidence in my ability to continue to serve the company in a new, non-executive capacity.” As Mr. Lambert steps down as CEO, he told shareholders at the company’s Annual Meeting that one of his proudest accomplishments was developing a high performance leadership team.

Mr. Lambert said, “Without question Nish will have an excellent team supporting him in the years ahead, both at the executive level and at all positions throughout this organization.” As President and Chief Executive Officer, Nishan J. Vartanian will continue to oversee the implementation of many strategic initiatives across MSA’s global portfolio, to drive the future performance of the company.

Mr. Vartanian said, “Under Bill’s leadership, we have created a very solid foundation for MSA. Our focus now is to leverage that foundation to grow our business and carry out our enduring mission, ‘That men and women may work in safety and that they, their families and communities may live in health throughout the world.’”

Served in many prominent roles at MSA

Over his 33-year career with the company, Mr. Vartanian has served in a broad range of roles

Mr. Vartanian joined MSA Safety Incorporated in 1985, as a sales intern and shortly thereafter, moved into a sales position working in the Atlanta, Georgia. Over his 33-year career with the company, Mr. Vartanian has served in a broad range of roles.

The various job profiles held include U.S. National Sales Manager, Director of North America Commercial Sales and Distribution, Vice President and Global Business Leader for MSA's Fixed Gas and Flame Detection business, Vice President of MSA North America and Senior Vice President and President, MSA Americas.

Mr. Vartanian received a Bachelor's degree in Management from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1983. In addition to his MSA responsibilities, Mr. Vartanian serves on the Board of Trustees for the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) and is an active volunteer for the Woodlands Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with disability and chronic illness.

innovative products and strategic acquisitions

Robert A. Bruggeworth, Lead Independent Director for MSA’s Board of Directors, commented, “William (Bill) has done an outstanding job in guiding the company as the Chief Executive Officer. Under his tenure, MSA has developed innovative products and executed several strategic acquisitions to support its industry-renowned positions in key markets, while also driving a step-change in profitability in recent years.”

Robert adds, “Bill leaves the executive management of MSA Safety Incorporated well prepared for the future and, in Nish, we have an experienced and dynamic leader in whom I and our entire Board have full confidence.”