Indian-origin businessman Sanjeev Gupta led Liberty House Group on Thursday announced the appointment of a former Tata Steel Europe senior executive as managing director of one of its steel operations.
Michael Horan will take charge as managing director of Liberty Performance Steels as Liberty House Group continues its ambitious growth plans with a series of high ranking appointments across its rapidly expanding UK operations, the company said.
"It's an exciting and inspiring time to be joining the Liberty team and to be leading the Liberty Performance Steels business. We have a tremendous product and a team who can really add value for our customers. In keeping with Liberty's approach we will focus on quality, service and innovation. I’m looking forward to getting started," Horan said.
Liberty Performance Steels claims to be one of the world's leading manufacturers of high quality precision steel strip, supplying industries including automotive, construction and general manufacturing, among others.
The company owns two well established brands - J B & S Lees and Firth Cleveland Steel Strip - and operates a North America focused distribution arm called Liberty Performance Steels Inc.
The combined business is recognised as a global market leader in a number of product categories, including woodcutting and metal cutting bandsaw strip as well as hardened and tempered handsaw strip.
Over 70 per cent of all steel strip produced by the business is incorporated into saw blades and knife blades of all types and the company exports over 67 per cent of its production volume to customers in more than 50 countries.
Horan held senior executive roles within sales, distribution and strip processing in the UK and Europe with the Tata Group.
His most recent role was Head of Digital for Tata Steel Europe, where he was responsible for developing and implementing all e-selling, e-marketing and e-service strategies across European operations.
The latest appointment comes against the backdrop of Liberty House being among the key bidders for Tata Steel’s UK business, which went up for sale earlier this year.