Business
Century Aluminum Announces CEO Succession
Mike Bless to Retire; Jesse Gary Named Next President and CEO of Century Aluminum, Effective July 1, 2021 CHICAGO, May 17, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Century
About this update from Century Aluminum Company
[{"type":"text","content":"Mike Bless to Retire; Jesse Gary Named Next President and CEO of Century Aluminum, Effective July 1, 2021\nCHICAGO, May 17, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Century Aluminum Company (NASDAQ: CENX) announced today that Mike Bless will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2021, after 15 years with Century, including nearly 10 years as CEO. He will also step down from the board at that time. Mr. Bless will continue to provide his guidance and expertise to Century as a strategic advisor until his ultimate retirement from the company on March 31, 2022. Century’s Board of Directors has appointed Jesse Gary, currently Century’s Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, to succeed Mr. Bless as Century’s next President and Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2021. Mr. Gary will also join the Board upon assuming his new role. “This leadership transition comes at the right time for Century, with Mike having established a strong foundation for continued growth and success of the company,” said Andrew Michelmore, Chairman of the Board. “Over his nearly a decade as CEO, Mike has overseen the measured expansion of Century’s operations, from the successful capacity creep program at Grundartangi to the acquisitions of Century’s Sebree, Mt. Holly and Vlissingen operations. Mike’s relentless focus on safety has also set the tone for all of our employees to understand that no job is so important that it cannot be done safely. The Board is grateful to Mike for his outstanding leadership and dedication to Century over his many years of service.” “The Board has worked with Mike to execute a thorough, multi-year process to consider and evaluate succession candidates,” continued Mr. Michelmore. “That process led to the selection of Jesse Gary. Mike’s close collaboration with Jesse since he assumed the Chief Operating Officer role, and continuing collaboration over the coming months, will ensure an effective leadership transition and continuity for Century’s businesses.” “Jesse is a seasoned and talented executive who has already overseen many aspects of our business. He brings a deep knowledge of the aluminum industry, a strong track record of driving growth and innovation, and a passion for safety, all of which positions him well for success. We are confident that Jesse is the right leader to guide Cent...