Latrobe Specialty Steel Appoints President and CEO
01/19/2011 - Latrobe Specialty Steel Co. has appointed B. Christopher DiSantis as the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
Latrobe Specialty Steel Co. has appointed B. Christopher DiSantis as President and Chief Executive Officer.
DiSantis brings to Latrobe a strong track record of manufacturing leadership, including a background in metals and materials sciences plus extensive experience in aerospace and defense. Prior to joining Latrobe, he served as President of Hawk Corp., formerly a public company and a global manufacturer of friction braking products.
“Chris’ track record of leading organizations to higher levels of growth and performance, paired with Latrobe’s exceptional product quality, technology, and service, is a winning combination,” said Latrobe’s Co-Chairman Steven E. Karol. “His diverse metals background is ideal for Latrobe Specialty Steel.”
“With Chris at the helm,” added Co-Chairman Thomas O. Hicks, “Latrobe will enhance its exceptional growth trajectory and market leadership worldwide. Chris brings to Latrobe a keen focus on serving the needs of his customers, and he is the perfect complement to an already impressive management team.”
DiSantis graduated summa cum laude from Dartmouth College with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics. In 2009, Crain's New York Business named him to its Forty Under 40 Class.
Latrobe Specialty Steel, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of high performance specialty metals, supplies essential materials to the aerospace, defense, energy, hydrocarbon and tool steel sectors. Jointly owned by The Watermill Group and Hicks Equity Partners LLC, Latrobe Specialty Steel has been in continuous operation in the same location since 1913, and currently employs over 800 people across the world.
Hicks Equity Partners is the private equity arm for Hicks Holdings LLC, a holding company for the Thomas O. Hicks family’s assets. Hicks Equity Partners looks for established companies with proven track records, strong free cash flow characteristics, a strong competitive industry position and an experienced management team looking to partner with long-term capital.
For over three decades, The Watermill Group has been acquiring, operating and improving companies. The firm focuses on investing in companies facing a crossroads by applying a unique combination of strategic insight and management expertise to drive growth.
