Sparrows Point, Md., November 15, 2011 -- RG Steel, LLC announced today that Jerome V. (Jerry) Nelson has joined the company as Chief Commercial Officer. A 25-year veteran of the steel industry, Nelson comes to RG Steel with extensive experience in marketing and sales and a deep understanding of the complex dynamics of the markets in which RG Steel operates.

Mr. Nelson began his sales career at Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation in 1983, and early in his career also worked in a number of commercial roles at both Bethlehem Steel and Armco Advanced Materials, before leaving to join Nucor Steel Corporation where he was part of the team responsible for the successful startup of Nucor Steel Berkeley, South Carolina. Mr. Nelson was instrumental in developing strategic accounts and new markets for the startup facility including the appliance and automotive market sectors.

Following Nucor, Mr. Nelson joined Birmingham Steel Corporation to help develop a commercial turnaround strategy and assist in executing a strategic plan with a primary focus on improving customer service and satisfaction. He left Birmingham Steel in 2002 to join W.L.Ross & Co. in the formation of International Steel Group (ISG). ISG purchased the principal steelmaking assets of the LTV Steel Corporation and later acquired ACME Steel, Bethlehem Steel, Weirton Steel, and Georgetown Steel thus becoming the largest integrated steel company in North America with annual shipments of over 16 million tons. As Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mr. Nelson guided the commercial efforts of ISG through one of the largest startup/turnarounds in the history of modern steelmaking.

After the sale of ISG to Mittal Steel in April 2005, Mr. Nelson was asked to join Stelco Corporation, Hamilton, Ontario Canada as Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Research and Development to help restructure and position the company to emerge from bankruptcy protection. He also served at the same time as President of Stelco USA, trading arm of Stelco in the United States. Shareholder value was maximized when Stelco was sold to United States Steel Corporation in October 2007.

“Jerry Nelson is uniquely qualified for the role of Chief Commercial Officer at RG Steel. His combination of industry knowledge, both integrated and mini-mill, and his breadth of experience and achievement in the restructuring and turnaround of companies make him a perfect fit for RG Steel,” said V. John Goodwin, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Goodwin went on to say, “Jerry’s diverse background and proven leadership make him an outstanding addition to our executive team.” (Source: RG Steel Press Release)

The previous Chief Commercial Officer for RG Steel was David Howard and Steel Market Update learned late today from the RG Steel spokesperson Mr. Howard has "resigned to pursue other career opportunities."