In a statement, Gerdau said Belloc will succeed Mark Marcucci, who will be retiring in December after 28 years with Gerdau. 

He joined Gerdau in 1990 at the company’s Charqueadas mill in Brazil, where he held several positions, including industrial manager. He eventually  went on to lead Gerdau’s flagship Ouro Branco facility and later was named  executive industrial director of its Brazilian operations, which include both flat and long steel facilities.  

In 2017, he was appointed chief executive of Gerdau’s joint venture operation in Colombia and Dominican Republic. 

Belloc holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in metallurgical engineering from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. He also has an MBA from Stanford University. 

The company said Belloc is considered a skilled leader who has inspired teams improve processes and results with optimism and confidence.

"We are confident that Belloc will be successful in leading the special steel business in North America and help us continue building a strong presence in the region. We also thank Marcucci for his leadership and dedication and wish him all the best in his retirement,” said Gerdau chief executive Gustavo Werneck in a statement.