Big Moves: JSW Steel, Heidelberg Cement

JSW Steel appoints Robert Simon as CEO of JSW USA

JSW Steel has appointed Robert Simon (Rob) as the chief executive officer of JSW USA. He will lead the overall business comprising slab, coil, pipe & plate production and sales at Baytown and Mingo Junction. Simon will report to the respective Boards of both the subsidiary companies of JSW Steel.

An Industrial Engineer from West Virginia University, Simon began his professional career as a production manager, and eventually as general manager for Oregon Brass Works. He held several key positions at Evraz North America’s Rocky Mountain Steel Mills eventually becoming the VP and GM and later the EVP for the company’s Tubular Division. His career then expanded to Steel Dynamics, taking the role of VP- structural products, where he led the organisation through a recovery from the financial crisis re-establishing a strong presence in the company's markets while also developing a significant presence in new markets. Simon later accepted the position of CEO for the newly formed Bayou Steel Group. Before joining JSW USA, he consulted with several companies including OmniTrax in Denver Colorado. Simon has also served on the executive committee and as chairman of the Steel Manufacturers Association in the USA and as a Board Member of the American Institute of Steel Construction.

According to Parth Jindal, director of JSW USA, “Rob Simon is a natural leader and passionate about working in environments where core values drive his team members to realise their potential. I am confident that his vast experience in improving and managing businesses throughout the steel industry will help us scale JSW USA to newer heights in achieving our purpose of making high-quality steel products that are made and melted in America. I am delighted to have Rob on board and confident that he will take JSW USA to the next level of growth.”

Commenting on his appointment, Simon states, “I am thrilled to be joining the JSW team and the opportunity to contribute to its legacy of excellence. JSW’s unwavering dedication to safety, genuine appreciation for the workforce and industry leadership in sustainability are values that resonate deeply with me.  I look forward to working closely with our talented team, to live these values and aggressively pursue our mission to deliver top-quality steel products that are melted and manufactured in the USA.”

Acharya, joint MD and CEO of JSW Steel also adds, “We have built a resilient business in USA with a clear focus on enhancing productivity and operational efficiencies. Rob joins us at a crucial time as we continue to upgrade JSW USA operations. I am confident that his vast experience and expertise will enable us to serve our customers with high-quality products in a very efficient manner.”

Jyoti Narang joins Heidelberg Cement as chairperson

Jyoti Narang has been named as the chairperson of Heidelberg Cement. Narang's appointment underscores Heidelberg Cement's commitment to strong governance and leadership. 

Heidelberg Cement, AG, began its India journey in 2006 with the acquisition of erstwhile Mysore Cement, Cochin Cement, and a joint venture with Indorama Cement. 

"We are pleased to announce that Ms. Jyoti Narang has assumed the role of Chairperson at Heidelberg Cement," says Zeeshaan Pathan, group managing director, World Development Corporation. "Jyoti Narang's appointment as Chairperson of Heidelberg Cement is a testament to her exceptional leadership skills and strategic vision. Her appointment will undoubtedly drive positive change within the organisation, fostering innovation and diversity in leadership."

Narang, aged 63 years, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in BA Economics (Honours) from Lady Shriram College for Women, University of Delhi, and an MBA in Finance from the University of Delhi. 

Narang's appointment as the chairperson of Heidelberg Cement is effective immediately, and she is poised to lead the company towards its goals of long-term profitability and sustainable growth.