United States Steel Corporation announced that Mr Michael S Rhoads has been appointed VP and GD of US Steel Serbia effective July 1st 2011.
Mr Rhoads, who currently serves as ED operations in Serbia, will succeed Mr Matthew B Perkins, who will be returning to the United States to serve as GM of Gary Works at Gary in Indiana.
In his new role, Mr Rhoads will be responsible for overseeing all activities at US Steel's operations in the Republic of Serbia, which includes integrated steelmaking facilities in Smederevo, a tin products finishing operation in Sabac and limestone processing facilities in Kucevo.
He will report to VP European Operations Mr David J Rintoul.
Mr Rintoul said “Since his arrival earlier this year, Mike has made a positive impact on our Serbian operations. Mike's strong management background coupled with his operational knowledge made him the right fit for this important role and will aid our efforts to build on the progress made under Matthew's leadership, particularly related to safety and environmental performance.”
Mr Rhoads, 37, began his career at US Steel in 1994 as a student co op at Mon Valley Works' Clairton Plant, the company's coke making facility located near Pittsburgh. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, he was hired as a staff associate at Clairton and progressed through a series of increasingly responsible positions at the facility.
In 2004, Rhoads was named senior process leader galvanize, terne and maintenance at Mon Valley Works' Irvin Plant, a Pittsburgh-area finishing facility. Later that year, he returned to Clairton to serve as division manager - chemicals and energy. He advanced to division manager - coal, coke and services at Clairton in 2005.
Mr Rhoads was named plant manager of Minnesota Ore Operations' Keetac facility, an iron ore mining and palletizing operation in Keewatin, Minn., in 2007. In 2009, he advanced to division manager steelmaking & casting at the company's Gary Works in Gary, Ind. In January 2011, he relocated to the Republic of Serbia after being appointed to his most recent position, executive director - operations for US Steel Serbia.
Mr Rhoads, a native of Rockwood, Pa., graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1995 with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. In 2002, he obtained his master's degree in business administration from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. He and his wife, Heather, and their children will remain in the Republic of Serbia.
