WCI Steel, Inc. announced that Thomas J. Gentile has been named Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.

Gentile has served as WCI's Treasurer and acting Chief Financial Officer since November, 2003. He came to WCI in November, 2002 as Treasurer.

Patrick G. Tatom, WCI's President and CEO, said that Gentile's leadership during the company's ongoing Chapter 11 reorganization and his diverse background in financial management have been invaluable to WCI.

"Tom's broad experience in finance will greatly assist WCI as we emerge from bankruptcy as a leaner, more competitive company," Tatom said. "He has done a remarkable job heading our financial operations during this restructuring process, and we are looking forward to relying on his expertise and sound judgment in the coming years."

Before coming to WCI, Gentile was with BP America Inc. in Cleveland for 23 years in a variety of treasury and accounting posts, culminating in the position of regional treasurer for North America. He began his career with KPMG, an international CPA firm.

Gentile, 52, earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Cleveland State University and a master's degree in business administration from John Carroll University.

WCI is an integrated steelmaker producing more than 185 grades of custom and commodity flat-rolled steel at its Warren, Ohio facility. WCI products are used by steel service centers, convertors and the automotive and construction markets. The company has approximately 1650 employees.