UK Steel has appointed Peter Brennan as director general, succeeding Gareth Stace, who steps down after 12 years in the role.
Stace will remain with the trade association as an adviser for a short transition period before leaving the organisation.
Brennan takes over as the government’s Steel Strategy sets an ambition to reverse the decline in domestic production and increase the proportion of UK steel demand met by British producers.
He has worked in UK Steel’s policy and advocacy team, where he led efforts to secure greater protection from the effects of global subsidisation and overproduction. He was previously an analyst and journalist, reporting on steel markets at Platts and later covering global macroeconomics and capital markets at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Brennan said: “It is an enormous privilege to take on the role of director general of UK Steel and represent an industry that is fundamental to our economy, our national security and our industrial future.
“This is a hugely important moment for our sector. After decades of decline, we now have a real opportunity to rebuild UK steelmaking, increase domestic production and unlock major new investment. Turning that ambition into reality will require government and industry to work together to tackle the longstanding barriers to competitiveness, from electricity prices and global overcapacity to investment and procurement.
“Gareth has been an extraordinary champion for this industry, and I am incredibly proud to follow him. My focus will be on building on everything UK Steel has achieved under his leadership and ensuring our members have the strongest possible voice as we enter this next chapter.”
Stace took up the post in 2015 and led the organisation through the closure of the Redcar steelworks, successive steel crises, Brexit, the energy crisis, global overcapacity and government interventions in individual steel companies.
UK Steel said it had secured policy changes during that period on energy costs, trade defence, public procurement, and decarbonisation.
Stace said: “After 12 fantastic and at times rollercoaster years as director general, it is time for me to hand over what I genuinely believe is one of the best jobs there is.
“Representing this mighty industry – raw, fiery and real, and sitting at the very foundation of our manufacturing economy – has been an enormous privilege. From the devastating closure of Redcar to where we stand today, I have loved every minute of battling for steel and for the people and communities that make this industry what it is.
“Peter knows this industry inside out and will be a formidable champion for it. He takes over at a moment of enormous opportunity. If we are going to reverse decades of decline in UK steelmaking, the moment to do it is now, and I know UK Steel could not be in better hands.”
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