American Zinc Recycling names president and chief executive officer

American Zinc Recycling LLC (AZR), Pittsburgh, has announced that its board of directors has named Joel Hawthorne president and chief executive officer. Wayne Isaacs, interim president and CEO, will return to his position as board chairman once Hawthorne joins the company.

Hawthorne has more than 30 years of experience in domestic and international manufacturing environments, global operations, profit and loss and balance sheet oversight. He comes to AZR from Specialty Steel Works Inc., where he served as CEO since 2017.

“We are very pleased to welcome Joel as our new president and CEO,” Isaacs says. “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.

“Joel is the right person to build on the unique value proposition and take us to the next level,” Isaacs adds.

“I am honored and excited to assume leadership of American Zinc Recycling,” Hawthorne says. “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, Hawthorne served as president and CEO of Graftech International. Joining Graftech in 1999, Hawthorne advanced to president and CEO, operating two business segments and seven business units and negotiating a successful private placement of the company.