Erik Gershwind has been the President and CEO of MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. since January 2013, a role he earned after years of climbing the ranks in the company. He started at MSC in 1996, and over the years,...

Erik Gershwind has been the President and CEO of MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. since January 2013, a role he earned after years of climbing the ranks in the company. He started at MSC in 1996, and over the years, he held various positions, ultimately becoming Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer prior to his CEO appointment. Gershwind focuses on performance-driven culture and accountability. He has successfully led the company through difficult market conditions, like low oil prices, while still managing to increase market share and return substantial value to shareholders. His compensation reflects a commitment to performance, as seen in the significant bonuses tied to the company's success; for 2023, he earned a total of $1,073,269. Interestingly, Gershwind is not just a corporate leader but also has family ties to the company, being the nephew of the Non-executive Chairman Mitchell Jacobson. This unique relationship adds a layer of complexity to his leadership.