The Gazette reported that the previously announced move took effect Aug. 2. 

 

“The move brings together the existing long products businesses with its associated distribution facilities. It will allow the business to combine the strength of Tata Steel with a flexible and more focused operational approach. It will also enable strategic options to be progressed," the company told the newspaper. 

 

As part of the move, Bimlendra Jha, executive chairman of the business and Tata's executive director of group strategy and European supply chain, has taken the reins of the business. Jha previously had served as vice president of Tata's long products business. 

 

He is taking over for Jon Bolton, who is to step down at the end of September. He had been with the company for 35 years. 

 

“In his 35 years of tenure, Jon has made a significant contribution to Tata Steel and its predecessor companies as well as to the UK steel industry as a whole,” the company said. 

 

Tata is looking to sell the European long products business and has been in talks with the Swiss-based Klesch Group on a sale. Those discussions are on-going, following months of negotiations, the newspaper said.