Steel Mills
Two Executive Retirements at SSAB Americas
Written by Sandy Williams
November 5, 2018
SSAB Americas has announced the retirements of two long-standing, distinguished members of the company’s senior executive team: Steve Hansen, Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, and Paul Wilson, Senior Advisor to Operations. Wilson’s retirement will be effective Feb. 1, 2019, and Hansen’s retirement will be effective March 1, 2019. Hansen has been with SSAB for more than 15 years and Wilson for more than 20 years.
Hansen began with IPSCO/SSAB in 2003 as Director, Technical Services, U.S. Steel Operations. He was promoted to Corporate Director, Technical Services, responsible for all steel and tubular technical activities in 2004, and then to his current position in 2007. Hansen also served as interim President of SSAB Americas in 2011 prior to Chuck Schmitt’s appointment to the position. Prior to joining SSAB, Hansen spent more than 25 years with Bethlehem Steel, in a variety of research and business unit technical positions.
Hansen has represented SSAB on various industry organizations and served as President of the AIST (Association for Iron & Steel Technology) Foundation’s Board of Trustees from 2015 to 2017. In 2017, he was selected as an AIST Distinguished Member and Fellow for his many achievements and technical contributions to the steel industry. He is also a Fellow of ASM International and an Honorary Member of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers. He is a graduate of MIT with bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in Metallurgy and Materials Science.
Wilson began his career with IPSCO/SSAB in 1998, when he was hired as General Manager of SSAB’s operations in Mobile, Ala. In 2008, he was promoted to Vice President of Operations reporting to then-President David Britten. In 2010-2011, he worked in Sweden as the Senior Vice President of SSAB’s European Operations reporting to CEO Martin Lindqvist. He returned to his VP of Operations role for SSAB Americas in 2011 and served in that role until October 2017, when he transitioned into the role of Senior Advisor.
Prior to joining SSAB, Wilson had more than 26 years of experience in the steel industry. He previously worked for Chapparal Steel, Crucible Steel and Birmingham Steel, among others. Wilson has been a member of the Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) and previously served on the boards of the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA), University of South Alabama’s Industrial Advisers, the Melters’ Guild, and the Boys and Girls Club of South Alabama. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Texas.
“I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of working alongside both Steve and Paul for more than three decades combined. Their careers exemplify dedication, professionalism and leadership in the steel industry and at SSAB,” said Chuck Schmitt, President, SSAB Americas. “Their experience and knowledge are unmatched and their many contributions to SSAB will be missed. I wish them both a long, healthy and enjoyable retirement.”
Sandy Williams
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