Company Announcements
December 10, 2025
Mike Mechley retiring; Churlik takes procurement lead at Zekelman Industries
Written by Laura Miller
Mike Mechley, executive vice president of procurement at Zekelman Industries, is retiring after nearly two decades with the Chicago-based company.
Concurrently, the independent pipe and tube producer announced the promotion of Brian Churlik to VP of procurement.
Mechley retiring at year’s end
Mechley worked for GE Aerospace before joining Zekelman as VP of purchasing in December 2007. He was named Zekelman’s VP of strategic procurement in 2011. In 2013, he became VP of procurement, a position in which he would be one of the biggest buyers of flat-rolled steel in the country.
“Throughout his 19-year career in the carbon steel industry, Mike has been at the forefront of our traffic, scrap, purchasing, and procurement activities, leaving an indelible imprint on every facet of the organization,” Chairman and CEO Barry Zekelman said in a letter announcing Mechley’s retirement.
He added, “Mike’s expertise, mentorship, and unwavering dedication have shaped the very way we do business, and his legacy will be felt for years to come.”
SMU congratulates Mike and wishes him all the best in his retirement. He plans to spend more time with his wife, Mary, and their three children and five grandchildren.
Churlik steps up
Brian Churlik, “a central leader within the purchasing organization,” according to the company, joined Zekelman’s Wheatland Tube operations in 1999. Prior to his new appointment, he was general manager of raw materials purchasing.
As VP of procurement, Churlik will be responsible for the procurement organization and raw materials purchasing functions across the Zekelman Industries enterprise.
