Edward J. Lehner Elected MSCI Board Chair
Contact: Ann D’Orazio, 847-485-3019
Rolling Meadows, Ill., May 7, 2019—At its Annual Meeting today, the Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI) elected a new chair of the board, Edward J. Lehner, president and CEO of Ryerson. Headquartered close to MSCI’s own offices outside Chicago, Ill., Ryerson is a global metals supplier and processor with operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and China.
“The MSCI is 110 years in the making and it remains our unifying filament for a stronger industrial metals industry that is essential for progress and economic vitality,” said Lehner. “Our industry is in the early stages of tectonic and disruptive changes that we’ll surmount together as we adapt and prosper in an era of rapid technological advancement within an increasingly complex global economy. I thank Holman for his exceptional service as the MSCI’s Board Chairman and I’m honored to succeed Holman as the MSCI Board Chairman at this time.”
Lehner became president and CEO of Ryerson in June 2015. He previously served as the company’s executive vice president and chief financial officer. Before joining Ryerson, Lehner was chief financial officer of PSC Metals, Inc., a diversified metals company, and chief financial officer of SeverCorr, LLC., a primary steel manufacturing company.
“I am thrilled to welcome Eddie to this role,” said MSCI President and CEO M. Robert Weidner, III. “He comes with a broad portfolio of experience – from general management to operational, financial, accounting and systems expertise – that will aid MSCI as we continue our second century as the premier trade association in the metals business. I also want to thank Holman Head for his visionary leadership as chair these past two years.”
Lehner takes over for R. Holman Head, president and chief operating officer of O’Neal Industries in Birmingham, Ala., who has served as board chair for the last two years. Head oversaw reform of MSCI’s governance structure, which included the implementation of four official standing committees responsible for Audit, Compensation, Finance and Governance/Nominating.
“It has been an honor to serve. I appreciate the support and hard work of the board and the MSCI staff over the last two years,” said Head, who will remain on the board. “Together, we’ve developed a modern governance structure and an engaged board that will provide the MSCI a foundation on which to build for decades to come. Eddie is just the leader to take us to the next level in creating value for our members and solidifying our role in the metals industry.”
Richard A. Robinson, chair and CEO of Norfolk Iron & Metal Company will rotate off the board while John G. Reid, president and CEO of Russel Metals in Ontario, joins as a director at large.
At the Annual Meeting, MSCI also awarded its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to David H. Hannah, former chair, president and CEO of Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. and Michael D. Siegal, executive chairman of Olympic Steel.
About MSCI
Founded in 1909, the Metals Service Center Institute is a nonprofit association based in Rolling Meadows, Ill., serving the industrial metals supply chain. It serves more than 285 members in almost 2,400 locations in North America. For more information, visit www.MSCI.org, MSCI’s online resource MSCI.org/Edge, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and connect with us on LinkedIn.