Kennametal, an industrial manufacturing company based in Pennsylvania, has announced the promotion of Sanjay Chowbey, an Indian American executive, as its new president and CEO, effective June 1. Chowbey, currently holding dual roles as vice president and president of the metal-cutting segment, will take over from Christopher Rossi upon his retirement.
The decision to appoint Chowbey received unanimous approval from Kennametal’s board of directors, according to a statement released by the company. William M. Lambert, the chairman of the board, expressed confidence in Chowbey’s leadership abilities, citing him as a proven business leader and change agent.
Chowbey, who joined Kennametal in 2021, expressed his honor and excitement at assuming the role of CEO. He acknowledged the company’s rich legacy and the dedication of its global workforce, emphasizing their commitment to continuous improvement.
In outlining his vision for Kennametal’s future, Chowbey emphasized accelerating the company’s transformational journey to generate shareholder value through growth, margin expansion, and a balanced capital allocation strategy.
During his tenure leading the metal-cutting segment, Chowbey oversaw significant achievements, including the expansion of the customer base, consistent sales growth, and the introduction of over 20 new products. Additionally, he focused on enhancing employee engagement and expanding operating margins.
Christopher Rossi, the outgoing CEO, praised Chowbey’s appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the company forward. Rossi stated that while it is difficult to bid farewell to Kennametal and its employees, he believes it is the right time for him to transition, knowing that Chowbey will lead the company capably.
Chowbey will continue in his current role during the transition period until officially assuming the CEO position, ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities, as confirmed by the company.
