ArcelorMittal gets new CEO

ArcelorMittal, the world’s leading steel and mining company has announced Mr. Simon Wandke as its new Executive Vice President and is expected to be Chief Executive Officer.

According to a release issued in Monrovia yesterday, Mr.Wandke replaces Bill Scotting, who has left the company to pursue other opportunities.

The release said the new CEO joined ArcelorMittal in January 2011 as Chief Commercial Officer and a member of the Group Management Committee.

“He also has over 30 years of experience in the mining and mineral industry, starting his career in 1981 at BHP Billiton, where he held a number of positions in mines in Australia and Indonesia and other commercial offices globally until 2002,” the release noted.

The release further noted that he joined Destra Consulting Group as Partner before becoming Chief Marketing Officer for Ferrexpoplc based in Hong Kong and Switzerland in 2006.

Commenting, Lakshmi Mittal, Chairman and CEO, said Simon has proved as a strong operator since he joined the group in 2011, and was a clear choice to take up the position of CEO.

“He knows our mining assets very well and fully understands the priorities for the business in the current operating environment. He is supported by a very strong leadership team and I am confident he will build on the excellent progress Bill has made in optimising the performance of the asset-base, specifically increasing marketable shipments and reducing costs through debottlenecking and efficiency improvements,” Lakshmi Mittal said, also indicating: “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Bill, who has been a tremendous asset to ArcelorMittal over the past thirteen years and has made a considerable contribution to our company. I wish him every success for the future.”

The new CEO of ArcelorMittal, Simon Wandke, described his promotion as CEO of ArcelorMittal Mining as a great honour for him, and was looking forward to the challenge.

“We are currently operating in a tough market environment and must ensure we continue to be disciplined in all aspects of our mining operations, building on the excellent progress we have made with our cost reduction and production optimisation measures,” stressing: “ArcelorMittal has world-class mining assets and a valued and talented team, and I am sure we will continue to deliver strong and consistent progress.” Press Release