Gretchen W. McClain, formerly chief executive officer for Xylem, Inc., is a new director at AMETEK of Berwyn.

“We are very pleased to welcome Gretchen to AMETEK’s board of directors,” said Frank S. Hermanace, chief executive officer.

“She is an experienced business executive with a strong technology background and experience that nicely complements an already strong board of directors. I am confident she will make important contributions to the board and the company as we continue our strong growth.”

McClain was the founding CEO of Xylem, formed in 2011 from the spinoff of the global water businesses ITT Corporation. McClain held several executive positions at ITT.  She also previously held leadership positions within Honeywell Aerospace.  McClain spent nine years with NASA prior to joining Honeywell, where she aided in the development and launch of the International Space Station Program.

McClain also currently serves on the board of directors of Booz Allen Hamilton. She is a graduate of the University of Utah where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

AMETEK is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electro-mechanical devices.  In 2013 the firm’s sales were $3.6 billion.