Features

Metallus names Westbrooks and Zaranec to new exec roles
Written by Ethan Bernard
May 22, 2025
Metallus has promoted Kristopher R. Westbrooks to the newly created role of president and COO, and John M. Zaranec III has been appointed to the role of EVP and CFO, effective June 16.
The specialty steelmaker, based in Canton, Ohio, said both executives will report directly to CEO Mike Williams.
Westbrooks has served as the company’s CFO since September 2018.
“Over the past seven years, Kris has played an instrumental role in our company’s growth, consistently providing outstanding leadership and strategic guidance,” Williams said in a statement on Tuesday.
In his new role, Westbrooks will lead Metallus’ “safety, manufacturing operations and excellence, and supply chain organizations.”
Meanwhile, Zaranec has over 20 years of financial experience and skills in the manufacturing and industrial sectors.
He most recently served as division CFO at Materion Corp., an advanced materials company based in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. There he led the finance strategy and function for the Performance Materials segment.
“We are excited to welcome John to Metallus,” Williams said. “We are confident he will play a key role in our continued success.”
Ethan Bernard
Read more from Ethan BernardLatest in Features
Final Thoughts
SMU digs into the vault to look back at an old survey, and to tell what exciting things are still to come.
Price on Trade: The foolishness of free trade with controlled economies
It was only a matter of time before a shutdown happened. And, no, we aren’t talking about the federal government’s lapse in appropriations. On Oct. 9, Beijing announced a series of restrictions that will effectively shut down exports of rare earth elements, magnets, and certain downstream products vital to advanced manufacturing.
Trump pulls plug on trade talks with Canada after anti-tariff Reagan ad
US President Donald Trump took to social media late Thursday night to announce he was canceling trade talks with Canada.
Final Thoughts
Below are some other issues that should be on your radar. Because while prices have been steady, a lot is going on when it comes to news that could impact them.
Steel market chatter this week
What's on steel buyers' minds this week? We asked about market prices, demand, inventories, tariffs, imports, and other evolving market trends. Read on for buyers' comments in their own words...
