Executive Leadership Team changes to create strength for the future

BlueScope Managing Director and CEO Mark Vassella today announced changes to the Company’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to further deliver on its ‘Transform, Grow, Deliver’ strategy. These changes will be effective 1 February 2023.

“BlueScope has made significant progress on its strategic objectives in the past couple of years, particularly in the US. This includes acquisitions to create BlueScope Recycling & Materials and BlueScope Coated Products, as well as the mini-mill expansion at North Star BlueScope Steel in Delta, Ohio.

“The Company now has a pipeline of around $2Bn of significant investment priorities including the No.6 Blast Furnace reline, expanding metal coating capacity and pipe and tube manufacturing, and the 500kt debottlenecking at the North Star mini mill.

“Accordingly, I’m announcing a refocused executive lead team to drive the Company’s next phase of growth.”

Key Changes

Tania Archibald has been appointed Chief Executive Australian Steel Products.  Tania has been Chief Financial Officer since 2018. Tania has a strong track record having worked across Australia/New Zealand, Asia and Corporate, and more recently has been instrumental in deploying BlueScope’s financial strength into major growth projects across the group.

An external recruitment search is underway for a Chief Financial Officer, in the meantime Mark Scicluna will take on the role of Acting Chief Financial Officer.

John Nowlan will take on an advisory ELT role.  With John’s depth of knowledge and experience he will provide the advice and leadership necessary to ensure the capital development pipeline is set up for success.  Given the criticality of safety and manufacturing to BlueScope, John will also continue a strong leadership focus on health, safety and environment, and manufacturing excellence foundations and processes globally.

In the US, where the Company is pursuing significant growth, Kristie Keast has been appointed Chief Executive North America. Kristie previously held the role of Chief Executive People and North American Development, where she has built a solid understanding of our US business in addition to her extensive experience across Australia/New Zealand, US and in Corporate roles. Kristie will take over from inaugural North America Chief Executive Pat Finan who will retire in February.

Replacing Kristie as Chief People Officer is Peta Renkin who steps up from her role as General Manager Building Components in Australian Steel Products.  Peta’s career includes both people and operational roles across BlueScope in Australia and the US, and more recently she has played a key role in delivering strong growth and performance in the ASP Building Components business.

Paying tribute to outgoing executive Pat Finan, Mr Vassella said; “Pat is one of a kind. He’s one of the most respected steel industry executives in the US and has played a significant role in BlueScope’s growth and success there – not least, the recent delivery of the $1.0Bn expansion of the North Star mini mill.  Pat leaves us in a tremendous position for the future. I am thrilled that he will continue to play an advisory role for BlueScope North America.

The remaining members of BlueScope’s ELT continue in their existing roles:

• Connell Zhang – Chief Executive NS BlueScope

• Debra Counsell – Chief Legal Officer

• Gretta Stephens – Chief Executive Climate Change and Sustainability

• Robin Davies – Chief Executive New Zealand and Pacific Islands

• Divya Thadani – Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer

“There is no doubt this is one of the most exciting times in our 20 year history as an ASX listed company.   I am confident these leaders will drive our future success and I am excited about the opportunities ahead.”