Chuck Schmitt, head of SSAB Americas, to retire next year

SSAB President and CEO Johnny Sjöström thanked Chuck “for his important and long-term contributions to SSAB. As head of SSAB Americas, he has had great impact on the company’s development and results in recent years.”

40-year career in steel

A native of Pittsburgh, Chuck began his career in 1985 as part of U.S. Steel’s management trainee program. He joined IPSCO Steel Holdings in 1990 and would remain with the company for the rest of his career. IPSCO was acquired by SSAB in 2007, and Chuck was promoted to vice president. In 2011, he was named president of the SSAB Americas division and joined the SSAB group executive committee.

Early this year, Chuck highlighted SSAB’s commitment to sustainability during a fireside chat at the Tampa Steel Conference 2024.

Chuck has served on the board of directors of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) since 2011, and served as the 2015-16 chairman of the board.

In 2016, Chuck received the Gary Memorial Medal from AISI. The award recognizes individuals for their “remarkable lifelong contributions to the North American steel industry.”

“Chuck Schmitt has been an outspoken leader in the steel industry. He has helped raise the industry’s profile on trade, energy, infrastructure, sustainability, and ensuring steel remains the backbone of the manufacturing sector,” said AISI President and CEO Kevin Dempsey. “His unwavering commitment to issues impacting the future of the American steel industry has helped keep our vital industry strong. His contributions and dedication to the industry have been a role model for us all.”

Dempsey added, “It is a privilege to have worked with Chuck for more than 14 years and I am proud to call him a friend. We wish him the best in his retirement.”

Chuck has also sat on the Executive Committee of the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA).

Additionally, the Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) named him the 2024 ‘Steelmaker of the Year,’ noting, “Under Schmitt’s leadership, SSAB Americas has become a major player in the steel industry and a company of choice for many who aspire to work in the steel industry.”

AIST said the honor was, “In recognition of his exemplary leadership, pioneering vision on the decarbonization of steelmaking for environmental sustainability, strong support for research and innovations, commitment to employee safety, excellent strategy on production efficiency and product quality, and dedication to a culture of inclusion and diversity.”

Reflecting on his career, Schmitt shared, “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together at SSAB. With a strong financial standing, top-tier safety standards, and leadership in innovation and green initiatives, I’m leaving confident in the company’s bright future.”

SSAB leadership shakeup

SSAB said it will soon begin the recruitment process to find a successor to lead its Americas division.

The Swedish steelmaker has been undergoing some big changes at the executive level this year.

Martin Lindqvist announced in April that he would be stepping down as president and CEO of SSAB. He departed the company in October, also leaving behind his position on its board.

Johnny Sjöström became SSAB’s new president and CEO at the end of October.

Per Elfgren succeeded Sjöström as the head of SSAB Special Steels.

SSAB is also currently searching for a new leader for its European division. In September, the head of SSAB Europe, Olavi Huhtala, announced he would also be retiring at the end of January 2025.