On Thursday, Cliffs Natural Resources announced a number of new executive appointments for its global operations as the company switches its focus toward organic growth. Laurie Brlas was named Executive Vice President & President of Global Operations following the retirement of Duncan P. Price effective October 1, 2012. Brlas will be accountable for all mining operations in the company's global portfolio of controlled iron ore and coal interests as well as leading emerging operating assets including development projects in iron ore and ferrochrome.
P. Kelly Tompkins was named Executive Vice President, Legal, Government Affairs and Sustainability, Chief Legal Officer and President, Cliffs China, and Terrance Paradie was named Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer. Paradie was previously senior vice president, assistant general manager-- Michigan Operations.
Steven Raguz is named Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Communications & Chief Strategy Officer. Mr. Raguz, formerly senior vice president--corporate strategy and treasurer, will lead the company's strategy development and define long-term strategic priorities.
Joseph Carrabba, Cliffs' chairman, president and chief executive officer, said: "As we transition Cliffs' strategic focus from M&A activities to executing organic growth projects, these executive changes will drive excellence in project execution, ensure operational stability and provide for a more disciplined approach to capital allocation and cost management."