MSA Safety Incorporated in June announced the election by the MSA Board of Directors of Nishan J. Vartanian to the newly-created position of president and chief operating officer of the company. Vartanian, 57, had served as senior vice president and president of MSA’s business in the Americas since May 2015. As president and COO, Mr. Vartanian will oversee the continued implementation of the strategic initiatives across MSA’s global portfolio.

With this election, William M. Lambert will continue to serve as the company’s chairman and chief executive officer.

“Nish’s election reflects the many contributions he has made to MSA over his long and successful career with the company,” said Lambert.

Lambert noted that Mr. Vartanian’s election is part of a long-term effort to continue to develop the company’s senior leaders. 

Vartanian began his career at MSA in 1985 as a sales representative based in Atlanta, Ga.  In his 32-year career with the company he has served in a variety of capacities, including U.S. national sales manager; director of North America Commercial Sales and Distribution; director of integration for General Monitors, the single largest acquisition in MSA’s history; vice president and global business leader for MSA’s Fixed Gas and Flame Detection business; vice president of MSA North America; and, most recently, senior vice president and president, MSA Americas.

Vartanian received a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1983.