January 9, 2008 Esmark Makes Changes in Management

January 9, 2008, Herald Star (Steubenville, Ohio), By PAUL GIANNAMORE, Business editor

WHEELING — Esmark announced several management changes Tuesday afternoon as the company realigns itself following the merger of the Esmark steel services firm with Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp.

“This realignment is a natural outgrowth of combining Esmark’s operations with those of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Corp. last November,” said James P. Bouchard, chairman and chief executive officer. “We’re now one company with two core business competencies. These administrative changes assign the experience and skill set of our management team to areas where their contributions are optimized.”

In mill operations, David A. Luptak, who had been executive vice president, general counsel and secretary of Wheeling-Pitt, has been named executive vice president of mill operations for Esmark Inc. Luptak worked for 20 years with U.S. Steel in various positions in the legal department and in operations. He was plant manager for the U.S. Steel Edgar Thompson Works.

James Ledgard was promoted to vice president and chief operating officer of Wheeling-Pitt and will report to Luptak. Glenn Steed was named general manager of primary operations and Charles Dinger was named general manager of hot strip mill and finishing operations. Both will report to Ledgard.

In downstream operations, which involve the operation of Esmark’s Steel Service Group and other facilities, Thomas A. Modrowski was named executive vice president of downstream operations for Esmark Inc. He was president and chief operating officer for Wheeling-Pitt. Modrowski has more than 25 years of steel experience, including senior management and operations positions at Esmark Steel Service Group, U.S. Steel, Electric Coating Technologies and Double Eagle Steel Coating Co.

Michael Ogrizovich was named vice president of the service center group and will report directly to Modrowski.

V. John Goodwin, who was vice president of operations for Wheeling-Pitt, has been named an executive vice president and will oversee labor relations with the United Steelworkers. Wheeling-Pitt’s current contract with the USW ends in September.

Goodwin’s resume includes service as president, chief executive and chief operating officer of National Steel Corp., general manager of the U.S. Steel Gary, Ind., Mon Valley and Fairless, Pa., works and chief operating officer of International Steel Group. David Pryzbylski has been named a vice president of the company and will report to
Goodwin.