American Zinc Recycling Names Joel Hawthorne President and Chief Executive Officer

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Zinc Recycling LLC (“AZR”), the leading provider of environmental services to the U.S. steel industry, today announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has named Joel Hawthorne as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 17, 2020. Wayne Isaacs, Interim President & Chief Executive Officer, will return to his position as Chairman of the Board, a position he has held since 2017, once Hawthorne joins the company.

Hawthorne has more than 30 years of experience, bringing to the position a wealth of knowledge and an array of experiences in domestic and international manufacturing environments, global operations, profit and loss, and balance sheet oversight. Hawthorne has a demonstrated history of success working in the steel, carbon, and graphite product materials industries, coming to AZR from Specialty Steel Works Incorporated, a $500 million steel product manufacturer, where he served as Chief Executive Officer since 2017. There, he reduced overhead costs, increased productivity in manufacturing, and improved profitability.

“We are very pleased to welcome Joel as our new President and CEO,” said Isaacs. “Joel is a proven leader whose experience makes him well positioned to lead American Zinc Recycling. His extensive background in the industry combined with his track record of achieving strong business outcomes and implementing successful business strategies make him the right fit for the company.

Continued Isaacs, We have a truly unique company that is the largest recycler of steel mill dust in North America, and the only one to be able to turn it into a valuable pure zinc metal– Joel is the right person to build on the unique value proposition and take us to the next level.”

“I am honored and excited to assume leadership of American Zinc Recycling,” said Hawthorne. “AZR is a leading driver of sustainability in the U.S. steel economy. I look forward to working closely with the board members, management, and all team members to continue to create a culture of excellence while driving growth and value for our customers, suppliers and all stakeholders of this great company.”

Prior to serving as CEO for Special Steel Works Incorporated, Hawthorne served as President and CEO of Graftech International, a $1.5 billion manufacturer and producer of a variety of carbon and material science products. Joining Graftech in 1999, Hawthorne advanced to President and CEO, operating two business segments and seven business units, and negotiated a successful private placement of the company. Prior to Graftech, Hawthorne served in various leadership roles, including Director of Strategic Planning and Reorganization and Director of Investor, Government, and Public Relations and other various financial positions at ACME Metals Incorporated and LTV Corporation (now both known as Arcelor Mittal).

Hawthorne has served since 2013 as Chairman and Board Member of CE National, a nonprofit organization with the mission to impact the rising generation, reach neglected groups, and equip leaders to lead. Hawthorne holds a Master of Science in Technical Education and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Akron.

About American Zinc Recycling:
American Zinc Recycling LLC is the leading provider of environmental services to the U.S. steel industry. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., American Zinc Recycling LLC, with its operating subsidiaries, employs approximately 750 people and has six state-of-the-art facilities throughout the U.S. Visit azr.com for more information.