Liberty Steel announces new leadership team

UK-based Liberty Steel Group announced Wednesday a new board of directors as it completes the consolidation of its global businesses, with the board’s immediate focus being to weather the coronavirus crisis and ensure the business is well prepared for the recovery when it comes.

Roland Junck, previously a chief executive of ArcelorMittal and chairman of British Steel, will oversee Liberty Steel in the UK and Continental Europe, while Daksesh Patel has responsibility for Australia and the US.

Arnaud de Weert, who until recently was chief executive of Alvance Aluminium, will be chief operating officer.

V Ashok, who joined Liberty Steel in 2019, remains as chief financial officer.

The board will oversee the overall group’s strategy and investments as well as the company’s goal to become carbon-neutral by 2030.

“This is an important step as we complete the consolidation of GFG Alliance’s steel businesses into Liberty Steel Group. I am proud of the leadership team we have brought together, which comprises some of the most experienced names in the global metals industry,” said Sanjeev Gupta, the executive chairman of the group.

The newly formed Liberty Steel Group is now the eighth largest steel group outside China, with total rolling capacity of 18 million mt/year. The company employs 30,000 workers with operations spanning the UK, Europe, US and Australia.

— Annalisa Villa