US-based Kennametal, a global industrial technology leader, said its board of directors has appointed Christopher Rossi as its president, chief executive officer and director.

Rossi succeeds Ron De Feo who has been appointed as executive chairman of the board. Both appointments will be effective August 1, said a statement from the company.

He previously served as the CEO of Dresser-Rand at Siemens from September 2015 through May 2017. Prior to that, he held numerous leadership positions at Dresser-Rand Group, its affiliates and predecessor companies since he joined in 1987, including executive vice president of global operations, vice president of technology and business development and executive vice president of global aftermarket sales.

Rossi holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech and an MBA in corporate finance and operations management from the University of Rochester´s Simon School of Business.

Lawrence W Stranghoener, chairman of the board of directors, Kennametal, said: “With more than 30 years of leadership experience, Rossi has delivered sustainable results across a breadth of functions including operations, marketing and sales, R&D, product management, supply chain and technology innovation.”

“We expect that he will bring continuity to the transformation presently underway at the company while evolving a strategy and vision for the future that will continue to deliver results for our customers, team members and shareholders,” he said.

“We want to thank De Feo for the dramatic progress he has made to reposition our company over the past 18 months,” he added.

Stranghoener continued: “De Feo will work closely with Rossi to ensure a smooth transition for all our stakeholders and we appreciate his continuing leadership,” he said.

Speaking on his new role, Rossi said: “I am excited to join a company with such well-respected brands and a legacy of continuous innovation and customer commitment.”

“I look forward to working together with the company’s team across the globe to continue building a strong future for the company, our customers, its shareholders and our communities,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service