Steel Mills

Alton Steel appoints new CEO as Hrusovsky retires

February 6, 2024

SBQ producer Alton Steel Inc. (ASI) has appointed a new chief executive.

Chris Ervin is the Alton, Ill.-based company’s new CEO, effective Monday, Feb. 5.

Ervin has worked in steel production and processing for more than 25 years, including 19 years with Gerdau Long Steel North America.

As ASI’s new leader, he is excited to push ASI further in the areas of technological advancements, market expansion, and sustainability efforts.

Ervin replaces Jim Hrusovsky, who will be retiring in September after 10 years with the company. Hrusovsky has had a long career in the steel industry, having previously served as CEO of Essar Steel Algoma. He has also held positions with Severstal NA, ArcelorMittal, and the Timken Co.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as CEO for ASI. This is a bittersweet decision for me. I’ve worked for many companies over the years, and ASI has been the most rewarding place I’ve ever worked,” Hrusovsky commented in a statement sent to SMU.

“Chris was the perfect choice as the new CEO to help transition ASI into the future, which is very bright,” Hrusovsky added.

The two will work together during the transition until Hrusovsky’s retirement in September, according to the statement. After that, Hrusovsky “will remain “a part of the team as a consultant.”

Laura Miller

Laura Miller is a reporter and editor for Steel Market Update. She has held a variety of positions within the steel industry since 2007, including reporting and editing for Steel Business Briefing/Platts, the Association for Iron and Steel Technology, and Kallanish Commodities, as well as marketing for what was then known as ThyssenKrupp Steel USA (now AM/NS Calvert). After a five-year hiatus working across other industries, she returned to steel in 2021 and has covered the flat rolled, tubular, and trade areas of the industry. She is a member of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries and a past-president of the AWMI Pittsburgh Chapter. She holds a BA in Latin American Studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She can be reached at laura@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7869.