Christopher L. Mapes served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. from December 31, 2012, until his retirement set for December 31, 2023. Before stepping into the CEO role, he was the Chief Operating Officer...

Christopher L. Mapes served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. from December 31, 2012, until his retirement set for December 31, 2023. Before stepping into the CEO role, he was the Chief Operating Officer and has been part of Lincoln Electric since 2011. His career includes a significant tenure at A.O. Smith Corporation, where he was an executive for several years. Experienced in managing complex operations, he played a critical role in driving the company's financial performance, reflected in his staggering bonus achievements—his bonuses reached as high as $3 million in 2022 alone. Mapes was recognized for aligning executive pay with company performance through compensation structures that often rewarded him significantly for meeting specific targets. Over time, his package grew to over $10 million in 2023, featuring various components like stock awards and bonuses that tied him closely to Lincoln Electric's success. Interestingly, even amid these numbers, he opted for a retirement package that taps into his years of service, hinting at a focus on long-term wealth management. He will transition to an Executive Chairman role, suggesting his continued influence on the company's direction. Throughout his time, he demonstrated a commitment to maintaining a strong corporate governance culture, including adhering to anti-hedging policies. With years of industry experience under his belt, Mapes has set a professional legacy that mixes operational excellence with a keen eye for financial performance.