MSA Safety (NYSE: MSA) announces planned retirement of MSA International president

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

MSA Safety Incorporated reported that David J. Howells, Senior Vice President and President of MSA International, has notified the company of his intention to retire effective June 30, 2026. Rather than appointing a direct successor, the company plans to distribute his responsibilities among senior personnel within the MSA International business segment.

These senior leaders will manage the segment and report directly to the Chief Executive Officer, signaling a shift toward a more distributed leadership model for the international operations while maintaining direct oversight at the CEO level.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

________________

FORM 8-K

________________

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 23, 2025

MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Pennsylvania			1-15579			46-4914539
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)			(Commission File Number)			(IRS Employer Identification Number)

1000 Cranberry Woods Drive
Cranberry Township,			Pennsylvania						16066-5207
(Address of principal executive offices)									(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 724-776-8600

Former name or former address, if changed since last report: N/A

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class			Trading Symbol(s)			Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, no par value			MSA			New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

(b) Departure of Certain Officers

David J. Howells, Senior Vice President and President of MSA International, has notified the Company that he intends to retire on June 30, 2026. The Company does not presently intend to replace Mr. Howells’ role. Instead, the Company will assign Mr. Howells’ duties to senior personnel within the MSA International business segment, who will manage the segment while reporting directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) The following exhibits are furnished with this report on Form 8-K.

Exhibit No.			Description
104			Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
(Registrant)
By						/s/ Richard W. Roda
						Richard W. Roda
						Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer

December 23, 2025

FAQ

What leadership change did MSA (MSA) disclose in this report?

MSA Safety Incorporated disclosed that David J. Howells, Senior Vice President and President of MSA International, has notified the company of his intention to retire on June 30, 2026.

When is MSA Safety executive David J. Howells planning to retire?

David J. Howells, Senior Vice President and President of MSA International, plans to retire from MSA Safety Incorporated on June 30, 2026.

Will MSA (MSA) replace the role of President of MSA International after the retirement?

MSA Safety Incorporated does not presently intend to replace David J. Howells’ role. Instead, his duties will be assigned to senior personnel within the MSA International business segment.

How will MSA International be managed after David J. Howells retires?

After David J. Howells retires, senior personnel within the MSA International business segment will manage the segment and will report directly to MSA Safety Incorporated’s Chief Executive Officer.

What exhibit was included with this MSA (MSA) report?

The report includes Exhibit 104, which is the Cover Page Interactive Data File with the cover page XBRL tags embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

Which stock exchange lists MSA Safety Incorporated common stock?

MSA Safety Incorporated common stock, no par value, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol MSA.