Steel Product Producers

Zekelman Industries creates VP role to accelerate AI adoption

Written by Laura Miller

August 20, 2025

To drive the company-wide adoption of artificial intelligence, Zekelman Industries has created a new role – Vice President of AI and Innovation – and hired Jason Pappas to fill it.

“The creation of the Vice President of AI and Innovation role underscores Zekelman’s commitment to innovation and disciplined technology leadership,” said Mickey McNamara, president of Zekelman Industries.

Pappas is tasked with leading AI adoption across the company’s operations, strengthening operational excellence, and enhancing the customer experience. He will report to McNamara.

“Under Jason’s leadership, we will intensify our efforts to apply generative AI, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation to improve safety, quality, and throughput while delivering faster, more advanced services to our customers,” McNamara added.

Pappas brings 25 years of experience in the manufacturing and power management industries. He was previously director of AI and innovation at Eaton Corp.

By adopting AI, the Chicago-based pipe and tube manufacturer hopes to drive value creation for its customers through real-time decision-making support, shorter lead times, and transparent, data-backed operations.

Laura Miller

Laura Miller is a reporter and editor for Steel Market Update. Since 2007, she has held various editorial and marketing positions with steel industry publications, associations, and mills. In 2021, after a five-year hiatus working across other industries, she returned to steel trade journalism, joining SMU in 2022. 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.

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