Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. announced Steven B. Hedlund has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately.

Hedlund has served as Executive Vice President, President of the Americas and International Welding segments since 2020 and has served as a member of the Lincoln Electric’s executive management team since 2008. As COO, he will continue to lead the welding segments’ Higher Standard 2025 Strategy initiatives to advance growth and enhance margin and return performance, and will now have responsibility for The Harris Products Group (HPG) segment. HPG and regional presidents will report directly to him.

“Steve’s experience and leadership has been instrumental in shaping our Higher Standard 2025 Strategy and the commercial and operational initiatives driving accelerated growth, record performance and returns,” said Christopher L. Mapes, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Steve has been at the forefront of strategically positioning Lincoln for long-term, profitable growth for nearly fifteen years, having led Automation, M&A, and the transformation of our international region, and as COO, he will continue to generate superior value for our stakeholders.”