Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety Incorporated has announced that its Board of Directors has elected Steve Blanco as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Previously, Blanco, aged 56, served as President of the firm’s Americas business segment since his appointment in 2017.

As the newly elected President and COO, Blanco will be responsible for directing the ongoing implementation of MSA’s strategic initiatives across its global reach. Meanwhile, Nish Vartanian will retain his roles as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for the company.

“Steve’s election reflects the confidence that our Board of Directors and I have in his ability to lead the initiatives that will drive our future performance and enhance our productivity, processes and products on a global scale,” commented Vartanian.

Blanco’s leadership from 2018 to 2022 resulted in a 40 percent growth in the company’s Americas segment revenue. He played a crucial role in the acquisitions of Globe Manufacturing, Sierra Monitor, and Bacharach, Inc. during this period. Moreover, he was instrumental in devising and executing the MSA Business System, a synergy of behaviors, processes, and tools aimed at bolstering continuous improvement and superior performance across the enterprise.

“Steve has made numerous contributions to our success over the past decade and I very much look forward to working with him in this new role as we and our entire management team work to enhance MSA Safety’s position as the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of advanced safety solutions for workers,” added Vartanian.

Vartanian also highlighted that Blanco’s appointment is a part of the company’s longer-term strategy to cultivate its senior leadership further.

Before his election, Blanco joined MSA in 2012 as Vice President of Global Operational Excellence. In this role, he supervised the company’s worldwide manufacturing operations and pioneered the adoption of top-tier practices, enhancing MSA’s manufacturing efficiencies globally.

Prior to MSA Safety, Blanco held the position of Vice President of Manufacturing for the Electrical Sector at Eaton Corporation, a unit valued at $7 billion. He has also served Ford Motor Company and Visteon in various engineering, plant management, and operations roles. A Purdue University graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering technology, Blanco also holds an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Blanco will carry out his expanded role from the company’s global headquarters in Cranberry Township, Pa.