MSCI Elects New Chairman

The metals association builds on a record year with a series of executive member appointments.

David H. Hannah, the chairman and chief executive officer of Reliance Steel and Aluminum Co. (Los Angeles, CA), has been elected the chairman of the board for the Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI; Rolling Meadows, IL), effective July 1.

Hannah began his career as a certified public accountant before joining Reliance in 1981. He was appointed a director of Reliance in 1992 and president in 1995. He was named chief executive officer in 1999 and chairman in 2007.

“It is an honor to take this position, one that many great leaders in our industry have held before me,” remarked Hannah. “I am optimistic about the continued future growth of MSCI and the outlook for our industry as a whole.”

M. Robert Weidner, III, president and chief executive officer of MSCI, shares that optimism as the association’s 2012 results were the best in its 100+ year history: “By all standards, MSCI has achieved its financial goals while delivering value-added information and services to its members. In 2012, we added 42 new members, increased our scholarship program, launched a new dynamic website and expanded our advocacy efforts. MSCI is stronger than ever, our membership reflects the entire industrial metals industry, and we are poised to do even more.”

Hannah, who has served as a vice chairman of the trade association, succeeds Michael H. Hoffman, the vice chairman of Kloeckner Metals Corporation (Roswell, HA), who has served as chairman for the last two years.

“MSCI today provides members with time-efficient and cost-effective networking, first-class education at all levels, strong advocacy support and exceptionally high-level industry information and research,” said Hoffman. “I am proud to be a member and look forward to continuous enhancements.”

Brian R. Hedges, the president and chief executive officer of Russel Metals, Inc. (Mississauga, ON), will become a new vice chair for MSCI. Hedges has been president and chief executive officer of Russel Metals since 2009. He was named chief operating officer in 2008 and began his career with the company as executive vice president and chief financial officer in 1994.

He joins Richard Robinson, the president of Norfolk Iron and Metal Co., who is also a vice chairman; Todd Fogel, president of Basic Metals, Inc., treasurer; and Weidner as officers of the board. Twelve new directors were named, and eleven members are retiring from the board.

www.msci.org