MARIETTA, OH July 28, 2010 --- Eramet Marietta, one of the area’s largest industrial employers recently promoted John Willoughby to the position of Chief Executive Officer.
Willoughby, who served as Eramet Marietta’s Director of Human Resources and Public Affairs since January 2008, assumed the role July 1. He takes the reigns from Frank Bjorklund, who served as Eramet Marietta CEO since May 2007 and has been promoted to the role of Director, Manganese Operations US/Norway based at Eramet’s headquarters in Paris, France.
In his time at Eramet Marietta, Willoughby, who has a background in human resources, labor relations, public affairs and corporate communications, has played a key role in reinventing the facility. Projects include: negotiating a new labor contract with the United Steelworkers union, securing a stable electricity rate plan with AEP, restructuring the facility to weather the financial downturn of 2009 and improving community relations related to plant viability and environmental responsibility.
“John joined out team and immediately began making a difference,” says Bjorklund. “He has a commitment to excellence and tenacity that moves projects forward, the ability to see both the long and short-term picture and a history in the steel industry that gives him keen insight into challenges currently facing our industry.”
Willoughby’s broad work history includes serving as Vice President – Human Resources and Corporate Relations for Republic Engineered Products, Vice President of Human Resources for both Republic Technologies LLC and RHI Refractories America, General Manager of Public Affairs for Republic Engineered Steels, Inc.,Division Manager of Public Relations for LTV Steel Corporation – Bar Division and Labor Relations Attorney for Republic Steel Corporation.
“I am honored to be able to continue the leadership path started by Frank Bjorklund,” Willoughby said, “and intend to maintain a focus on workplace safety, continuous operating improvement and environmental performance. I plan to maintain the working relationships that have been established with all our stakeholders, in order to enhance a sustainable and secure future for Eramet Marietta.”
Willoughby has a Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, a Bachelors of Arts degree in English from Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio and is a member of the Ohio Bar. He also serves as a member of the Ohio Steel Manufacturer’s Steel Advisory Council, sitting on both its Policy and Issues and Communications committees as well as serving as Eramet Corp’s representative in the Manganese Interest Group (MIG).
For over half a century, Eramet’s Marietta, Ohio, plant has produced ferroalloys used by the steel industry. For information about Eramet Marietta, please visit www.erametmarietta.com.
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