The company on Monday said Chris Lackinger has been named general manager and chief operating officer. He succeeds John Buckman, who served as general manager and vice president of operations for the past 17 years. Buckman will remain with the company as director of hot mill solutions. 

“John’s outstanding leadership has put the company in a strong position to continue growing under Chris’s direction,” said IMS chief executive Rainer Fackert in a statement.  “Chris’s management style, industry knowledge and wide range of contacts should make the transition seamless.”

Prior to joining IMS, Lackinger ran Global Metals Consulting, a Mobile, Ala.-based firm that he and a partner started several years ago. He will continue to serve as the firm’s chairman. 

Lackinger helped launch Global Metals after leaving ThyssenKrupp Steel USA, where he had served as president and chief executive. 

Lackinger holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Germany’s RWTH Aachen University. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., USA, but moved to Germany with his family when he was young. He returned to the United States 10 years ago. 

“I am grateful to IMS for this opportunity, and I look forward to building further upon the foundation IMS has laid under John’s direction,” Lackinger said.  

IMS makes x-ray, isotope and optical measuring systems for metals facilities.