Media Release

CSPA Appoints François Perras, President and CEO of ArcelorMittal Long Products Canada as Chair of the Association’s Board

The Canadian Steel Producers Association is pleased to announce the appointment of François Perras, President and CEO of ArcelorMittal Long Products Canada to the role of Chair of the Association’s Board of Directors.

“I am honoured for this opportunity to serve as Chair of the Canadian Steel Producers Association and to support the advancement of the organization’s important work on our collective agenda,” said François Perras. “This is a critical time for the CSPA as we must continue to fight illegal trading practices while building on our green steel strengths and further evolving our sustainability track record. CSPA members are committed to greening Canada’s economy while ensuring strong steel jobs and communities into the future,” added Perras.

“The CSPA is very pleased to welcome François as the Chair of our Board,” said Catherine Cobden, President and CEO, CSPA. “François has a proven track record of collaboration and leadership in the steel industry and has demonstrated strong dedication to the core work of the Association to preserve the competitiveness of the industry and to support its long-term green transformation,” Cobden added.

Perras and Cobden also noted the deep appreciation of the CSPA Board of Directors to outgoing Chair, Michael McQuade, President and CEO of Algoma Steel for his steady and strong leadership over the past two years. The CSPA wishes Michael all the best in his retirement and future endeavours.

Biographical Notes

François Perras

President and CEO, ArcelorMittal Long Products

François Perras was appointed Chief Executive Officer of ArcelorMittal Long Products Canada in September 2017.

Mr. Perras joined the company as a Metallurgist in 2000, then became a technical advisor at the cold mill, becoming Senior Coordinator in 2004. He managed the hot mill from 2006 until the facility closed in 2008. Mr. Perras subsequently held several strategic positions and spent some time in a professional development program at the company’s global head office in Luxembourg where he worked closely with the management committee. In 2012, he returned to Canada and was appointed Director, Recycling and Raw Materials, then added the Purchasing portfolio in 2015. Prior to assuming the role of CEO, he served as ArcelorMittal Long Products’ Chief Strategy Officer.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Université Laval and Michigan Technological University (MTU) and an MBA from the Université de Sherbrooke.