In a statement, Gerdau said Chia Yuan Wang has been named president of Gerdau Long Steel North America, effective 24 April. He previously served as the supply chain vice president in North America.  

“We see a great opportunity to improve the overall performance of our North American long steel operation, and Wang has a relevant strategic vision, ability for business turnaround and to bring positive results,” said Gerdau chief executive Gustavo Werneck. 

“In his new position, he has also the challenge to accelerate our cultural and digital transformation to better serve our customers as well as developing future leaders for Gerdau.”

Wang has been with Gerdau for nearly 30 years and has held positions in Brazil, Canada, China and the U.S. He holds a metallurgical engineering degree at Brazil’s Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. 

He also serves on the AIST Foundation Board of Trustees. 

“It is a great honor to lead the operation I have been serving for the last (several) years. Gerdau has a great team, and I am confident that we can build a path for the company’s growth in North America, one of our most relevant markets,” Wang said.