US Steel appoints two new executives

United States Steel Corp., Pittsburgh, has appointed two new executives: Christian Gianni as senior vice president and chief technology officer (CTO) and John Gordon as senior vice president of raw materials and sustainable resources. Both will report directly to President and CEO David B. Burritt as members of the company’s executive management team.

U.S. Steel says the appointments will help accelerate its ‘Best for All’ strategy and its ability to deliver high-quality steel solutions to its customers as it leverages its competitive advantages in low-cost iron ore in North America, product development, sustainable steel solutions and finishing assets while continuing to enhance its minimill capabilities.

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As SVP of raw materials and sustainable resources, Gordon will oversee the company’s raw material supply chains, including its iron ore assets. U.S. Steel says this includes increasing its ability to become vertically integrated with its minimill segment, optimizing its metallics mix and expanding commercial opportunities within the metallics space.

“As we continue to advance our metallics strategy, we have an opportunity to become increasingly self-sufficient,” Burritt says. “John’s deep background in mining and metallics, combined with his operational experience, will enable us to reshape our approach to raw materials, especially our iron ore operations, at this critical point in our transformation.”

Before joining U.S. Steel, Gordon spent four years at London-based Johnson Matthey, where he eventually served as managing director of the platinum group metals services division as well as president of Johnson Matthey USA. Prior to joining Johnson Matthey, Gordon was global head of mining for Houston-based Clariant Mining Solutions, which provides flotation chemicals and emulsifiers for explosives to the mining industry.

Previously, Gordon worked at Phoenix-based Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., as well as Houston-based Baker Hughes Co. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Duke University and a master’s in business administration from the London Business School.

“I am thrilled to become a part of the U.S. Steel team and join a company that is part of the fabric of America,” Gordon says. “The company’s mining assets set it apart from its competition, and I am delighted to help unlock their value.”

As SVP and CTO, the company says Gianni will lead efforts to drive innovation and product development, as well as enhance the company’s manufacturing capability. Gianni comes to U.S. Steel from Manchester, New Hampshire-based Deka Research & Development Corp., where he served as the executive leader for product development and manufacturing. Previously, he spent 11 years at Benton Harbor, Michigan-based Whirlpool Corp., where he held roles across engineering, product development and technology.

“As we pursue our ‘Best for All’ strategy, Christian is uniquely qualified to help position U.S. Steel as an early adopter and innovator as we move toward the future with purpose and with speed,” Burritt says.

Earlier in his career, Gianni, who holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from The University of Auckland, New Zealand, spent 22 years at Auckland-based Fisher & Paykel Appliances.

“I am honored to join U.S. Steel at such an important inflection point in their history,” Gianni says. “Putting the customer at the heart of every decision we make is critical to our success, and I am excited to help advance the U.S. Steel transformation with customer-driven, profitable steel solutions and innovation.”