| Return to Steel News Headlines| Print This Page |

AK Steel Names Sales VP,
Welcomes New Director

Jan. 20, 2004 — AK Steel announced that Douglas Gant, 45, has been named Vice President—Sales and Customer Service. Mr. Gant has more than twenty years of sales, marketing and product management experience with the company. He was previously Director—Sales and Marketing.

"Doug's extensive AK Steel sales background and dedication to customer service are important assets as our company strengthens relationships with customers," said James L. Wainscott, President and Chief Executive Officer of AK Steel. "I am delighted to welcome Doug as a member of the AK Steel executive management team."

Mr. Wainscott added, "AK Steel is absolutely committed to our customers by providing superior products, on-time delivery and outstanding service. Doug Gant is, without question, the most qualified person to provide the leadership necessary for our company's renewed focus to serve our customers."

Mr. Gant started his career in 1980 at the company's Detroit sales office. He progressed through a number of sales and marketing positions in the Detroit office and at the corporate headquarters in Middletown. In 1991, he became Supervisor—Inventory Control and Applications at Middletown Works. He advanced to Regional Sales Manager for the Detroit sales office in 1995 and to General Manager—Sales in 1999 with responsibility for all of AK Steel's field sales offices nationwide. In 2001 he was named Director—Sales and Marketing with responsibility for managing carbon steel sales and marketing for AK Steel. He holds a Bachelor's degree in business administration and economics from Grove City College in Pennsylvania.

In a separate announcement, AK Steel also reported that Shirley D. Peterson had been elected to its board of directors, effective January 13, 2004. Mrs. Peterson is a former President of Hood College in Frederick, Md. Prior to her service at Hood College, she was a partner and the head of tax practice at Steptoe and Johnson, a Washington, D.C., law firm.

From 1989 to 1992 Mrs. Peterson was Assistant Attorney General in the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. She was appointed in February 1992 by President George H.W. Bush as commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of Treasury. She served as IRS commissioner until January 1993.

"Shirley Peterson has had a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors," said James L. Wainscott. "She brings a unique blend of talent, knowledge and leadership that will be a great asset to AK Steel and we welcome her to our board."

Mrs. Peterson is also currently a member of the boards of Scudder Mutual Funds, Federal Mogul Corp. and Bryn Mawr College, as well as the board of advisors of the American University Tax Clinic. She is a past director on
the boards of Bethlehem Steel Corp. and the National Legal Center for the Public Interest.

Mrs. Peterson is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the U.S. Department of Treasury, the Edmund J. Randolph Award for outstanding service from the U. S. Department of Justice, and the Luther Institute's National Laywoman Wittenberg Award. She has served as chair of the Commission on Government and Public Affairs of the American Council on Education, and also as a member of the Commission on Maryland Ethics. She is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and the New York University School of Law.

AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products for automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets, as well as tubular steel products. The company has plants and offices in Middletown, Coshocton, Mansfield, Walbridge and Zanesville, Ohio; Ashland, Ky.; Rockport and Columbus, Ind.; and Butler, Pa. In addition, the company produces snow and ice control products and operates an industrial park on the Houston, Texas, ship channel.

Close Window