Oct. 20, 2009 (Business Wire) -- MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. (NYSE: MSM), “MSC” or the “Company,” one of the premier distributors of Metalworking and Maintenance, Repair and Operation (“MRO”) supplies to industrial customers throughout the United States, today announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has promoted Erik Gershwind to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. Gershwind previously served as MSC’s Senior Vice President, Product Management and Marketing where he has had overall responsibility for product management and marketing activities, including purchasing, supplier management, merchandising, supply chain management, promotional strategy, database marketing and marketing services, as well as overall responsibility for corporate strategic planning. In his new role, Mr. Gershwind is responsible for the Company’s Sales and Operations functions. He will continue to report to David Sandler, MSC’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Gershwind, age 38, has held various positions of increasing responsibility in business development, sales management, branch integration, product management, marketing and e-commerce at the Company. Before becoming Senior Vice President, Product Management and Marketing in December 2005, Mr. Gershwind served as Vice President of Product Management and previous to that as Vice President of MRO and Inventory Management. Mr. Gershwind joined the Company in 1996 as manager of the Company’s acquisition integration initiative, and in 1999 established MSC’s highly successful Internet business as Director of E-Commerce.

Mr. Sandler commented, “Management and the Board could not be more pleased with Erik’s dedication, performance and accomplishments throughout his career at MSC. His 13 years with the Company have prepared him well for his new position, as he has successfully led numerous projects and excelled in a succession of more challenging leadership roles. For the last four years Erik has also led our Strategic Team, which is responsible for formulating the Company’s strategic plan and steering its direction. Erik has a proven track record of success and most importantly, has demonstrated that he is a cultural leader of our Company. I look forward to continuing to work closely together as we execute our strategy for the business going forward.”

Mr. Gershwind graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania and magna cum laude with a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He also serves on the board of directors for the Gershwind and Jacobson charitable foundations and on the board of overseers for the University of Pennsylvania Libraries.

Mr. Gershwind lives on Long Island with his wife and their three children.

About MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.