Olympic Steel Announces Information Technology Succession Plan

Business Wire

Esther Potash, Chief Information Officer Retires; Chris Garrett Promoted to Lead IT

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Olympic Steel Inc. (Nasdaq: ZEUS), a leading national metals service center, today announced Esther Potash, Chief Information Officer, has retired.

Potash worked at Olympic Steel for 19 years, leading the Company’s information services group. During her tenure, she managed the implementation of many enhanced systems from payroll and accounting, to new Company-wide ERP systems. In 2013, Potash was named Crain’s CIO of the Year by Crain’s Cleveland Business.

“Esther is a consummate professional and a role model for our company’s core values,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael D. Siegal. “She led by example and consistently mentored and trained others. When needed, she also served as General Manager of our Cleveland facility.”

In conjunction with Potash’s retirement, Chris Garrett, has been promoted to Vice President, IT – Flat Rolled, effective July 1. Garrett assumes Potash’s former IT responsibilities, and they worked closely together to ensure a smooth transition.

“Chris’ technical expertise and detailed knowledge of Olympic Steel’s systems and operations prepare him well for this new expanded role,” Siegal said.

Garrett joined Olympic Steel in 1995 and began working in IT operations at the Detroit division. He progressed through numerous IT roles with increasing responsibility, including MIS Manager, before being named Director of Information Services in 2013. Since then, he has been focusing on solution management, software development, quality assurance, business intelligence, and eCommerce.

Garrett earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business, with a concentration in integrated supply chain and operations management. He also serves on the research committee for the Metals Service Center Institute, and on a chapter board for the Northeast Ohio Society for Information Management.

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 31 facilities in North America.

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