Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. mourns the loss of John M. Stropki, Jr., former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, who passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at the age of 68.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire Lincoln Electric family worldwide, we extend our deepest condolences to John’s family at this difficult time,” stated Christopher L. Mapes, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “John was not only an icon at Lincoln Electric, but was one of the most respected leaders in our industry. His relentless passion for the company, its customers and the industry left an indelible mark that will continue to live on forever.”

John had a successful career at Lincoln Electric for 41 years and served as the Company’s seventh CEO from 2004 to 2012.  John started at Lincoln Electric as a summer intern while attending college and rose through the sales organization to become Executive Vice President and President, North America in 1996. He joined the Board of Directors in 1998 and was promoted to Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer in 2004. During his tenure, he transformed operations, oversaw numerous acquisitions and product innovations, and expanded Lincoln Electric’s global footprint. He ultimately positioned Lincoln to be the clear leader in the industry while staying true to Lincoln Electric’s mission and values.

John served on the Boards of The Sherwin-Williams Company, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. and Rexnord Corporation. He also dedicated his time and efforts to support numerous industry associations and non-profit organizations, including University Hospitals.

John earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Purdue University and an MBA degree from Indiana University.

About Lincoln Electric

Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment and has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market.  Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln has 60 manufacturing locations, including operations and joint ventures in 19 countries and a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices covering more than 160 countries.  For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company’s website at https://www.lincolnelectric.com