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BlueScope Steel Chairman To Retire in November

Graham Kraehe has served as board chairman since 2002, when it demerged from BHP Billiton. His retirement is to take effect upon the conclusion of the company's annual general meeting, which is set for 19 November 2015.

"It has been a great privilege to work with the global BlueScope team. While it has been a tough ride in recent years, I have nothing but admiration for the dedication to safety and quality that all BlueScope people share. We have built a world-class platform of assets with leading-edge technology and brands," Kraehe said in a statement.  

John Bevan, a non-executive director, is to succeed Kraehe.

“I know John Bevan will do an excellent job, and he will be working with an outstanding board and management team. Shareholders can feel confident that BlueScope is very well led and on the right track," Kraehe said in a statement.

Bevan served as CEO of Alumina Ltd. from 2008 to 2014. Prior to that, he worked for BOC Group, where he held a variety of senior management roles during his 29-year tenure there. He also is a non-executive director of Ansell Ltd. and is to join Nuplex Industries Ltd.'s board in September.

Bevan said in a statement that Kraehe has been a passionate advocate for economic reforms meant to improve Australia's competitiveness.

"He has led some great Australian companies, and as chairman of BlueScope, he led the board and management through some difficult times and major restructuring, which has returned the company to profitability post the global financial crisis," he said.