Outokumpu names new CEO

Finland-based metals producer Outokumpu Corp. has appointed Kati ter Horst as president and CEO, effective Oct. 9.

The company’s new CEO has prior executive experience with Belgium-based Aliaxis S.A., a provider of fluid management systems, and Finland-based Stora Enso, where she formerly led its paper division.

Additionally, ter Horst has been a member of the Outokumpu board of directors since 2016 and the board’s vice chair since 2022. Following her appointment, she will resign from the board at the end of September.

“Kati ter Horst has a strong track record in process industries and extensive international leadership experience from complex business environments,” says Kari Jordan, the company’s board chair. 

“Naturally, her experience as an active and respected member of the board of Outokumpu over the past eight years is an additional advantage. Her long background with the company provides her profound knowledge and understanding of Outokumpu’s business as well as commitment to company strategy.”

Outokumpu announced in early May that its current CEO Heikki Malinen intended to leave the firm to pursue a career opportunity outside the company. Malinen joined Outokumpu as president and CEO just two years earlier. Like ter Horst, he had been recruited from the Outukumpu board room and had held executive posts at other companies.

The company operates recycled-content stainless steel mills in Finland and Sweden and a rolling mill in Calvert, Alabama, in the United States. The company also has operations in Germany and Mexico.

Late last year, the company announced its acquisition of a 10 percent stake in Germany-based stainless steel and alloys recycling firm Cronimet North-East GmbH.

“Outokumpu stands tall as a global pioneer in sustainable stainless steel, spearheading innovation and catalyzing the green transition in societies," ter Horst says. "Thanks to the transformation that has been carried out during the past years, the company is financially stronger than ever. I’m truly honored and excited to get the opportunity to lead Outokumpu into the next phase of our industry’s evolution as its global frontrunner.