New chief exec at MSC on Jan. 1

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Long Island’s seventh-largest company by revenue, said Thursday that Erik Gershwind will take over as chief executive on Jan. 1.

The Melville company, which distributes industrial tools and supplies, said the succession plan has been in place since 2010. Gershwind, who is currently president and chief operating officer, will succeed David Sandler. Gershwind, 41, grew up in Great Neck and lives in Brookville.

In June, when the company announced it would establish a second headquarters in suburban Charlotte, N.C., some local officials feared MSC would move off the Island.

But Gershwind, in an interview after the announcement, stressed that as chief executive he planned to remain on Long Island.

“I plan to be in the job for many years, and I am going to be doing it right here,” he said.

Gershwind was named chief operating officer in October 2009. Two years later, he added the title of president.

“It is an extraordinary opportunity to lead MSC as we enter this next phase of development here and in the industry,” he said. “I believe MSC is in an ideal position to continue to grow and gain market share.”

Photo: Erik Gershwind, left, president and chief operating officer of MSC Industrial Direct Co.,  will take over as chief executive on Jan. 1, 2013. He is with current chief executive David Sandler, right. (July 18, 2012)