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ArcelorMittal Americas CEO Stepping Down in February
12/16/2015 - ArcelorMittal Americas CEO Lou Schorsch has announced that he will retire in February 2016, prompting the world’s largest steelmaker to reorganize its top management in the two continents.
“There are a number of important priorities in the Americas business at present, and, therefore, we took the decision to split out the leadership responsibilities into four key areas, directly reporting to the CEO,” said ArcelorMittal group chairman and CEO Lakshmi N. Mittal in a statement.
“We believe this is the optimum structure to ensure each division fully delivers on their business plans and puts in place the necessary actions to respond to current market challenges and capture market opportunities.”
Under the reorganization, Jim Baske will be chief executive of ArcelorMittal NAFTA Flat Rolled, which will be made up of Canada, Mexico and the AM/NS Calvert LLC joint venture plant in Alabama, USA.
John Brett, who serves as ArcelorMittal USA executive vice president of finance, planning and procurement for, is being promoted to chief executive of ArcelorMittal USA, effective 1 January 2016. He will succeed Andy Harshaw, who is retiring but has agreed to remain with the company until 31 March 2016 to assist with the leadership transition.
In South America, Jefferson de Paula and Benjamin Baptista will continue as CEO South America Long and CEO South America Flat, respectively.
“Jim, John, Jefferson and Benjamin are all experienced leaders and fully understand the priorities in today’s market environment,” Mittal said.
Brian Aranha, currently vice president global automotive and commercial coordination, will take on Schorsch’s roles, which include strategy, technology, research and development and commercial coordination. Aranha also will report to Mittal.
He will be supported by David Clarke, who will serve as head of strategy and chief technology officer; Greg Ludkovsky, who will serve as head of research and development; and Brad Davey, who will serve as head of global automotive.
Separately, Robrecht Himpe, who is executive vice president and CTO of ArcelorMittal, will now oversee as AM/NS Calvert as its chief executive officer. He’ll work closely with AM/NS Calvert president Chris Richards and the rest of the Calvert team to accelerate the ramp-up of the finishing mill.
“The opportunities for Calvert are considerable and it has an important contribution to make to the US$1 billion of structural EBITDA improvements the group is targeting globally for 2016. As one of our most experienced industry executives, I am very confident in Robrecht’s ability to ensure we capture all the upside potential from this outstanding asset.”
While Mittal expressed confidence in the new appointees, he also said the company will miss Schorsch.
"Since joining the company in 2003, Lou has been an integral member of our senior leadership team,” Mittal said.
“With a keen intellect and deep understanding of the dynamics of our industry as a result of his experience in both consultancy and operational roles, he has been a strong leader who is held in high esteem by all who know and work with him.”
“We believe this is the optimum structure to ensure each division fully delivers on their business plans and puts in place the necessary actions to respond to current market challenges and capture market opportunities.”
Under the reorganization, Jim Baske will be chief executive of ArcelorMittal NAFTA Flat Rolled, which will be made up of Canada, Mexico and the AM/NS Calvert LLC joint venture plant in Alabama, USA.
John Brett, who serves as ArcelorMittal USA executive vice president of finance, planning and procurement for, is being promoted to chief executive of ArcelorMittal USA, effective 1 January 2016. He will succeed Andy Harshaw, who is retiring but has agreed to remain with the company until 31 March 2016 to assist with the leadership transition.
In South America, Jefferson de Paula and Benjamin Baptista will continue as CEO South America Long and CEO South America Flat, respectively.
“Jim, John, Jefferson and Benjamin are all experienced leaders and fully understand the priorities in today’s market environment,” Mittal said.
Brian Aranha, currently vice president global automotive and commercial coordination, will take on Schorsch’s roles, which include strategy, technology, research and development and commercial coordination. Aranha also will report to Mittal.
He will be supported by David Clarke, who will serve as head of strategy and chief technology officer; Greg Ludkovsky, who will serve as head of research and development; and Brad Davey, who will serve as head of global automotive.
Separately, Robrecht Himpe, who is executive vice president and CTO of ArcelorMittal, will now oversee as AM/NS Calvert as its chief executive officer. He’ll work closely with AM/NS Calvert president Chris Richards and the rest of the Calvert team to accelerate the ramp-up of the finishing mill.
“The opportunities for Calvert are considerable and it has an important contribution to make to the US$1 billion of structural EBITDA improvements the group is targeting globally for 2016. As one of our most experienced industry executives, I am very confident in Robrecht’s ability to ensure we capture all the upside potential from this outstanding asset.”
While Mittal expressed confidence in the new appointees, he also said the company will miss Schorsch.
"Since joining the company in 2003, Lou has been an integral member of our senior leadership team,” Mittal said.
“With a keen intellect and deep understanding of the dynamics of our industry as a result of his experience in both consultancy and operational roles, he has been a strong leader who is held in high esteem by all who know and work with him.”
