Chuck Schmitt, the Head of SSAB Americas, has officially announced his decision to retire in the summer of 2025, marking the end of a distinguished career at SSAB that spans over 30 years. Schmitt, who has been a central figure in SSAB’s operations in the Americas since 2011, expressed his pride in the company’s achievements during his tenure. His retirement will bring an end to a remarkable chapter in SSAB’s history, as Schmitt’s leadership has played a key role in steering the company through periods of growth and transformation.
Schmitt joined SSAB in 2007 following the company’s acquisition of IPSCO, a U.S.-based steel company where he had worked since its founding. His extensive experience in the steel industry, coupled with his deep understanding of SSAB’s values and strategies, made him a natural fit to lead the company’s North American operations. Over the years, Schmitt has been instrumental in driving SSAB’s business forward, contributing to the company's global reach and industry-leading performance in the steel sector.
Under Schmitt’s leadership, SSAB Americas has experienced significant milestones, including impressive financial performance, industry-leading safety standards, and advancements in innovation. One of his key achievements has been guiding SSAB’s initiatives in the green transformation, aligning the company’s operations with sustainability goals and positioning SSAB as a leader in environmentally responsible steel production. “I am extremely proud of the SSAB that we have built and the success we have created together,” Schmitt said in his retirement announcement, reflecting on the positive impact of his leadership.
SSAB has also achieved strong financial results during Schmitt’s tenure, with the company continuing to maintain a solid position in a competitive and fluctuating steel market. Furthermore, the company’s commitment to safety has been one of Schmitt’s proudest accomplishments. Under his guidance, SSAB Americas has maintained some of the best safety records in the industry, reinforcing the company’s dedication to the wellbeing of its employees and stakeholders.
In a statement regarding Schmitt’s retirement, Johnny Sjöström, SSAB’s President and CEO, praised his leadership and contributions over the years. “As Head of SSAB Americas, he has had a great impact on the company’s development and results in recent years,” Sjöström said, acknowledging Schmitt’s pivotal role in the company’s success. “Chuck’s vision and dedication have been instrumental in establishing SSAB as a leader in the global steel industry.”
Although Schmitt will officially retire in June 2025, he will remain in his current role until then, ensuring a smooth transition and the continued execution of SSAB Americas’ strategy. The company has already begun the process of finding Schmitt’s successor, aiming to identify a leader who can continue the work of building on SSAB Americas’ strong foundation. This recruitment process is expected to take place over the next several months.
Looking ahead, Schmitt expressed his excitement for the future, saying he is eager to spend more time with his family. However, he also stated that he would continue to follow SSAB’s journey and stay connected with the many colleagues and friends he has made during his career. Schmitt’s legacy at SSAB will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the company, which continues to lead the industry in steel innovation and sustainability.
Schmitt’s retirement marks a significant milestone for SSAB, but it also signals a time of transition and renewal within the company. As SSAB begins the search for a new leader for its Americas division, the company is positioned for continued success, driven by its strong financial health, commitment to innovation, and focus on sustainable growth.
