Severstal North America Appoints New COO

Severstal North America has appointed Thomas Cera as its new chief operating officer. Mr Cera will be responsible for quality, operational effectiveness and safety, and will report to Ronald Nock, president and chief executive officer.

Mr Cera replaces Jim Hrusovsky, who was recently appointed CEO of SeverCorr, a steel mill based in Columbus, Mississippi, that serves the southern region of US.

Mr Cera has a relevant strategic and operational experience, having worked in the steel industry for 27 years. He served as director of operations management at Severstal from 2007 to 2008. Prior to this, Mr Cera was plant manager, finishing operations for Mittal’s Indiana Harbor Plant from 2005 through 2006, and was vice president of plate and rail products for ISG from 2004 through Mittal’s acquisition of ISG in 2005.

Mr Cera began his career at US Steel in 1981 as a management associate at the Gary Works and held positions of increased responsibility in coke production, hot rolling, cold rolling, sheet products, tin products, plate products and coating.

Mr Nock said: “We are pleased to add Tom to the company’s management team. His extensive industry experience and leadership skills will be a great asset to Severstal North America, as we continue with our modernization program to become the best-in-class steel producer.”