Olympic Steel Names Howard Director of Operational

CLEVELAND, Oct. 18, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Olympic Steel Inc. (Nasdaq: ZEUS ), a leading national metals service center, today announced John Howard has been named to the newly created position of Director, Operational Excellence.

Mr. Howard has been serving in a consulting role with the Company to enhance growth and profitability by implementing best-in-class operations methodology. In this new role, he will be responsible for the strategic development, tactical program management, facility deployment, systems integration and financial results consistent with Operational Excellence.

"John has been charged with strengthening and aligning the enterprise with the chairman's objectives and the vision of the Company's executive officers. We look forward to his future contributions," said Olympic Steel President and Chief Operating Officer, David Wolfort.

A certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Lean Applications Specialist, Mr. Howard has more than 22 years of experience in transformational leadership, operations management and performance turnaround. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies and other entities, including General Motors, Berkshire Hathaway, Caterpillar, Amazon.com, General Electric, Eaton, the U.S. Department of Defense and several healthcare systems. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University and, most recently, worked with CGN Global as Senior Manager, Master Black Belt & Co-Lead for its Global Lean Practice. Mr. Howard will report to Mr. Wolfort in his new role with company-wide responsibility. 

Zachary Siegal Promoted to General Manager–Cleveland

Additionally, Zach Siegal has been promoted to the role of General Manager–Cleveland. Mr. Siegal began his career with Olympic Steel at the Company's Cleveland facility. He was later named Quality Engineer for the Minneapolis-based facilities in 2007. Mr. Siegal has held positions of increasing responsibility including Operations Manager in Minneapolis, Operations and Purchasing Manager in Schaumburg, Ill. and most recently, Purchasing and Materials Manager in Gary, Ind. where he was actively involved in the start-up of that facility's new temper mill. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in finance at Miami University and his Master of Business Administration degree in the Deming Scholars program at Fordham University. In his new role, Mr. Siegal will report to John Mooney, Vice President–Eastern Region. 

Matthew Kapusta Promoted to Purchasing Manager–Cleveland

Matt Kapusta has been promoted to Purchasing Manager–Cleveland, and will be responsible for procuring raw material for the Company's carbon steel processing locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Mr. Kapusta joined Olympic Steel in 2010 as Outside Sales Representative for the Eastern Region. During his tenure he has helped grow the region's customer base through increased business with existing accounts, and has added new customers. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Slippery Rock University and brings more than 13 years of industry experience, including extensive experience in the tube and pipe sector. Mr. Kapusta will report to Zach Siegal, General Manager–Cleveland.

Mr. Wolfort added, "These three appointments reflect Olympic Steel's ability to attract top industry talent as well as provide progressive opportunities for career advancement for employees. By strategically positioning our management team's expertise where it will have the greatest impact on performance, we are further developing our bench strength, and simultaneously continuing to position the organization for long-term success."

About Olympic Steel

Founded in 1954, Olympic Steel is a leading U.S. metals service center focused on the direct sale and distribution of large volumes of processed carbon, coated and stainless flat-rolled sheet, coil and plate steel and aluminum products. The Company's CTI subsidiary is a leading distributor of steel tubing, bar, pipe, valves and fittings, and fabricates pressure parts for the electric utility industry. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Olympic Steel operates from 34 facilities in North America.

For additional information, please visit the Company's website at http://www.olysteel.com or http://www.b2i.us/profiles/investor/ContactUs.asp?BzID=2195 .

IR Contact: Matthew J. Dennis, CFA Olympic Steel Investor Relations (216) 672-0522