Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. has announced the promotion of Michael J. Whitehead to Senior Vice President and President, effective December 17, 2018. In this role, Whitehead will oversee the strategic planning and growth of the Segment’s automation and additive services businesses and will report to George Blankenship, Executive Vice President, President, Americas Welding.

“Mike is a well-respected leader and has a strong track record of developing new technologies and driving business growth at Lincoln Electric,” stated Christopher L. Mapes, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “His experience will help advance our industry-leading automation portfolio and accelerate growth in solutions and services to meet our customers’ needs in the additive manufacturing market.”

Whitehead joined Lincoln Electric in 2005 as Chief Counsel, Intellectual Property and held various positions of increased responsibility including Director of New Product Development in Research and Development, and President, Lincoln Electric Canada. Most recently, Whitehead served as Senior Vice President, Strategy & Business Development, where he oversaw the transaction and integration of Air Liquide Welding, among other deals. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from The Ohio State University and earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of New Hampshire School of Law.