MSC president to succeed retiring CEO
MSC Industrial Supply Co. announced Oct. 23 that Martina McIsaac, current president and chief operating officer, will succeed Erik Gershwind as chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2026. She will maintain her role as president.
Following his planned retirement, Gershwind will continue to serve as non-executive vice chair of the board of directors while Mitchell Jacobson remains the company’s non-executive chairman of the board.
McIsaac will also join the MSC board upon assuming her new role as president and chief executive officer. She is a seasoned executive most recently responsible for overseeing the operational and strategic direction of the company across sales, field service/solutions, category management, procurement, pricing, supply chain, sustainability, and information technology.
"On behalf of the entire Board, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Erik for thirteen years of exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication as CEO," said Steven Paladino, lead independent director. "Erik has shaped the Company’s direction and growth path, leading MSC's transformation from a spot-buy supplier into a mission critical partner on the plant floor of industrial customers. He focused relentlessly on helping customers solve their Mission Critical challenges while leading strategic investments in people, technology, and acquisitions that drove substantial growth. We thank him for his leadership and are pleased he will continue to serve as vice chair of the board.”
Mitchell Jacobson, the Company’s non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, “We are excited for Martina to serve as MSC's next leader. The Board has worked closely with her over the past three years and has tremendous confidence in her. She has demonstrated a track record of operational execution and has built strong relationships with our customers, suppliers, and all stakeholders. She will build on recent momentum and drive the innovation and growth necessary to achieve our Mission Critical objectives."
Erik Gershwind, Chief Executive Officer, said, “Reflecting on nearly thirty years with MSC and thirteen years as CEO, I am proud of what our team has accomplished. The culture we have molded and the strategies we have implemented set the company up for great success moving forward. It has been an honor to lead this company, and I want to thank Steve and our Board for their trust and guidance. I'm excited to continue supporting the Company as Vice Chair of the Board.”
Mr. Gershwind continued, "Martina has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision, and I am confident in her ability to lead MSC into its next phase of growth. During her tenure thus far, we have improved execution, strengthened our market position, and enhanced our customer value proposition."
Martina McIsaac, President and Chief Operating Officer concluded, "I am honored by the Board's confidence and excited to step into this expanded role, leading MSC into its next chapter. Over the past three years, I've had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional team of associates that deliver for our customers day in and day out. I am energized by the opportunities ahead to accelerate growth, build on our strong foundation, and fulfill our mission to be the best industrial distributor for our associates, customers, suppliers, and shareholders."
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The September/October issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about American Producers Supply. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam and Frank Hurtte, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
