Monarch Steel Co of Cleveland said that it named steel industry veteran Mr Patrick Tatom as its new CEO, effective immediately.

Mr Tatom, previously served as CEO of WCI Steel, an integrated producer of custom flat rolled steel products. In his 19 years at WCI, he held positions including executive vice president from 1999 to 2004 and vice president commercial from 1994 to 1999.

Prior to joining WCI, Mr Tatom worked at LTV Steel Co. He has more than 30 years of experience in the steel industry, including senior executive, operational and commercial roles.

Monarch described the hiring of Mr Tatom as part of a long term succession and growth plan. As part of this plan, Mr Monarch said, current president Mr Robert Meyer will serve as an executive consultant to assist in the leadership transition.

Mr Josh Kaufman CEO of American Consolidated Industries Inc, Monarch's corporate parent, described Mr Tatom as 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.

Monarch, founded in 1934, described itself as one of the country's largest providers of hot rolled, cold rolled and galvanized steel products. It has steel service centers in Cleveland; Decatur and Cadiz.

In a statement, Mr Tatom said that "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."

Source - Crains Cleveland

(www.steelguru.com)