Kennametal Inc announced the appointment of Christopher (Chris) Rossi as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and has named him a Director. Chris succeeds Ron De Feo whom the board has appointed Executive Chairman of the board. Both appointments are effective August 1, 2017.

?With more than 30 years of leadership experience, Chris has delivered sustainable results across a breadth of functions including operations, marketing and sales, R&D, product management, supply chain and technology innovation,? said Lawrence W. Stranghoener, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Kennametal. ?We expect Chris will bring continuity to the transformation presently underway at the company while evolving a strategy and vision for the future that will continue to deliver results for our customers, team members and shareholders.?

?We want to thank Ron De Feo for the dramatic progress he has made to reposition Kennametal over the past 18 months,? Stranghoener continued. ?Ron will work closely with Chris to ensure a smooth transition for all our stakeholders and we appreciate his continuing leadership.?

?I am excited to join a company with such well-respected brands and a legacy of continuous innovation and customer commitment,? commented Rossi. ?I look forward to working together with the Kennametal team across the globe to continue building a strong future for the company, our customers, its shareholders and our communities.?

?We look forward to the perspective Chris? experience will bring to lead Kennametal into the next chapter of its transformation,? commented Ron De Feo, current Kennametal President and CEO. ?It has been my pleasure to lead the Kennametal team over the past 18 months and together we have made great strides in positioning the company for a successful future.?