John M Stropki Jr

John M. Stropki, the former CEO of Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LECO) and the current lead director of the board of The Sherwin-Williams Co. (NYSE: SHW), has died. Stropki worked at Euclid-based Lincoln Electric, a maker of welding equipment, for 41 years, including more than eight as CEO, from 2004 to 2012. He retired from Lincoln as executive chairman and as a member of the board in December 2013. Stropki was elected to the Sherwin-Williams board in July 2009 and had served as lead director since April 2015. Mr. Stropki is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Stropki was elected President and Chief Executive Officer in June 2004 and Chairman in October 2004. From May 2003 to June 2004, Mr. Stropki was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. From May 1996 to May 2003, Mr. Stropki was Executive Vice President of the Company and President, North America of The Lincoln Electric Company.