Lincoln Electric names president, CEO

John Stropki has been elected president and chief executive of Lincoln Electric Holdings. He succeeds Anthony Massaro, who held the position for eight years. Massaro previously announced his intention to retire and agreed to remain as chairman for an interim period to ensure a seamless transition. Stropki is the seventh CEO in Lincoln Electric’s 109-year existence. Stropki began working in Lincoln Electric’s Cleveland factory 35 years ago while attending college and initially rose through the company’s sales organization. Lincoln named him executive vice president and president, North America, in 1996. He was elected to the board of directors in 1998 and became chief operating officer last year.