Monarch Steel Company named Patrick Tatom as its CEO, effective immediately. Tatom, 62, previously was CEO of WCI Steel, an integrated producer of custom flat-rolled steel products. Prior to being named CEO in 2004, he held various positions during his 19-year career at WCI, including Executive Vice President from 1999 to 2004, and Vice President Commercial from 1994 to 1999. Tatom worked at LTV Steel Company prior to joining WCI, and has more than 30 years of experience in the steel industry, including senior executive, operational and commercial roles.

The hiring of Tatom is part of Monarch’s long-term succession and growth plan. As part of this plan, Monarch expects current President, Robert Meyer, 64, will serve as an Executive Consultant to assist in the leadership transition.

"Pat Tatom is a highly qualified leader and strategist with extensive experience in the steel industry, and we are pleased that he will be heading the Monarch team," said Josh Kaufman, CEO of American Consolidated Industries, Inc., Monarch’s corporate parent company. "We also want to thank Bob Meyer for his years of service to Monarch. The company has benefited greatly from Bob’s service."

Tatom commented, "I’m very pleased to join Monarch, and I believe the company has a bright future. The Kaufman family has developed an excellent operation at Monarch with a very solid customer base and following for its Ohio, Alabama and Kentucky operations. I look forward to working with Josh Kaufman to continue to build on the successful platform they have established."

Tatom has also served as an assistant coach for the John Carroll University Blue Streak baseball program. Prior to his career in the steel industry, he was a pitcher in the Oakland A’s baseball organization and played six seasons in the minor leagues.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration at Marietta College.

Monarch Steel Company, Inc., founded in 1934 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the country’s largest providers of hot rolled, cold rolled and galvanized steel products and maintains service centers in Decatur, Ala.; Cadiz, Ky.; and Cleveland, Ohio. Monarch Steel Company has been involved with ISO certification since 1998 and is currently ISO 9001-2000 certified.