CLEVELAND, Aug. 12, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Olympic Steel Inc. (Nasdaq:ZEUS), a leading national metals service center, today announced the promotion of Andrew Markowitz to the newly created position of Vice President Sales and Marketing—Specialty Metals. Additionally, Jerrold Gideon has been promoted to General Manager—Integrity Stainless.
Mr. Markowitz, a 20-year steel industry veteran, founded Integrity Stainless in 2005. Integrity Stainless was subsequently acquired by Olympic Steel in 2010, and is a wholly owned subsidiary. Since 2010, Integrity Stainless has significantly impacted the participation of the Specialty Metals Division at Olympic Steel through flat bar and strip coil contract accounts.
"Andy has proven his ability to drive profitable growth and penetrate new markets, which is consistent with Olympic Steel's long-term strategy," said Andrew Greiff, President—Specialty Metals. "Our Specialty Metals Division, which includes stainless steel, as well as the aluminum products, is a key strategic growth area. Having a corporate-level position dedicated to sales and marketing will help us sustain our significant growth in these markets. Andy is the ideal candidate for this position, and we look forward to his continued contributions in this expanded role."
Mr. Markowitz is a member of the Metals Service Center Institute and serves on the board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Northeast Ohio Chapter. He actively supports the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, The Cure Starts Now Foundation, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and Playhouse Square, a performing arts district in Cleveland. He will continue to report to Mr. Greiff.
Additionally, Jerry Gideon has been appointed to the newly created position of General Manager—Integrity Stainless. He started at Integrity Stainless in 2009, and has served as Sales Manager since 2012. Mr. Gideon earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois. He will also report to Mr. Greiff.
About Olympic Steel
Founded in 1954, Olympic Steel is a leading U.S. metals service center focused on the direct sale and distribution of large volumes of processed carbon, coated and stainless flat-rolled sheet, coil and plate steel and aluminum products. The Company's CTI subsidiary is a leading distributor of steel tubing, bar, pipe, valves and fittings, and fabricates pressure parts for the electric utility industry. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Olympic Steel operates from 34 facilities in North America.
For additional information, please visit the Company's website at http://www.olysteel.com or http://www.b2i.us/profiles/investor/ContactUs.asp?BzID=2195.