Steel Mills

BlueScope Names New Chief Executive for US Ops

Written by Laura Miller

December 12, 2022

Australia’s BlueScope has appointed a new leader for its US operations.

Kristie Keast will serve as chief executive North America as of Feb. 1, 2023, taking over for the retiring Pat Finan.

northstar bluescope

“Pat is one of a kind,” noted BlueScope’s managing director and CEO Mark Vassella. “He’s one of the most respected steel industry executives in the US and has played a significant role in BlueScope’s growth and success there – not least, the recent delivery of the $1.0B expansion of the North Star mini mill. Pat leaves us in a tremendous position for the future. I am thrilled that he will continue to play an advisory role for BlueScope North America.”

Peta Renkin will step up from her role as general manager building components in Australian steel products to take over Keast’s current role as chief executive people and North American development.

BlueScope’s head office in North America is located in Kansas City, Mo. Its main steelmaking operation is North Star BlueScope Steel LLC in Delta, Ohio, which has an annual steelmaking capacity of 2.3 million net tons.

By Laura Miller, Laura@SteelMarketUpdate.com

Laura Miller

Laura Miller is a reporter and editor for Steel Market Update. She has held a variety of positions within the steel industry since 2007, including reporting and editing for Steel Business Briefing/Platts, the Association for Iron and Steel Technology, and Kallanish Commodities, as well as marketing for what was then known as ThyssenKrupp Steel USA (now AM/NS Calvert). After a five-year hiatus working across other industries, she returned to steel in 2021 and has covered the flat rolled, tubular, and trade areas of the industry. She is a member of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries and a past-president of the AWMI Pittsburgh Chapter. She holds a BA in Latin American Studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She can be reached at laura@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7869.

Read more from Laura Miller

Latest in Steel Mills