MSC Vice Chairman, Former CEO Sandler Passes Away At 59

MSC executive vice chairman and former CEO David Sandler passed away Monday morning at the age of 59 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

MSC Industrial Supply has announced that executive vice chairman and former CEO David Sandler passed away Monday morning at the age of 59 following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of David," said MSC President and CEO Erik Gershwind. "His accomplishments at MSC were many. He successfully led MSC through a significant period of growth, as well as through difficult economic conditions while remaining committed to our core values. His greatest contribution, however, was the many people and lives he touched, with the careers he helped shape and the coaching and mentoring he provided. His legacy will have a lasting impact on our culture. Our heartfelt condolences go out to David's family and loved ones."

Sandler joined MSC in 1989 following the company's acquisition of New England-based industrial supplier Dancorp. He held a series of leadership roles in sales, human resourses, information technology and product management with MSC before being promoted to executive vice president in 1999. He was named president in 2003 and CEO in 2005. He served as president from 2003 to October 2011 and as CEO from 2005 until Jan. 1, 2012.

Mr. Sandler joined MSC in 1989 following MSC's acquisition of Dancorp, a Massachusetts-based industrial supply company. Mr. Sandler held a series of progressively responsible leadership roles in sales, human resources, information technology and product management with MSC prior to being promoted to executive vice president in 1999. He was named president in 2003 and CEO in 2005. He was appointed executive vice chairman of MSC's Board of Directors in 2013.

See Industrial Distribution's 2008 cover story featuring MSC Industrial and Sandler.

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