Optimas Solutions promoted President of the Americas Marc Strandquist to CEO. He succeeds newly elected Optimas board chair and AIP operating partner TJ Rosengarth.

“Marc is the right person to lead Optimas into the future,” said Rosengarth. “He’s deeply committed to the company and has the strategic vision, industry relationships and leadership style to build on the success we’ve earned this year.”

Strandquist will continue to oversee the company’s Americas business unit, where he as achieved revenue growth, diversified company services and led technology advancements under his Manufacturing Solutions strategy. Launched in early 2020, this strategy aims to improve sourcing and operations while enhancing customer service.

“Optimas is unique in the marketplace and I’m honored to be leading this company,” Strandquist added. “We have a talented group of people throughout the world who are re-thinking how our customers and suppliers can achieve their supply chain and manufacturing goals.”

Strandquist started in the fastener industry in 1986 with Rockford Products. He had been with Würth from 2001 to 2019, where he served as executive VP of the Würth Group and CEO of Würth Industry North America. He joined Optimas as President of the Americas in January 2020.

Strandquist was president of the National Fastener Distributors Association from 2016-17.

Optimas was formed in 2015 when New York private equity firm American Industrial Partners acquired Anixter’s OEM Supply Fasteners division at auction for $380 million cash.

Glenview, IL-based Optimas provides fasteners and c-class components and services to OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in the automotive, agricultural, and medical equipment markets. The company has 1,600 employees in 16 countries, and manufactures in Illinois and the UK. Web: Optimas.com