Who is AK Steel’s soon-to-be CEO Roger Newport?

Included in last week's announcement that James Wainscott is retiring as president and chief executive officer of AK Steel was the appointment of his successor in the chief executive officer position.

Roger Newport is slated to become the next CEO of the steel manufacturer in January when Wainscott retires.

Here’s what we know about Newport, according to information from the company:

• Newport has actually worked at AK Steel longer than Wainscott; Newport started his career with the company in 1985 in the accounting department. He rose through increasingly responsible finance, sales and marketing roles at the corporate headquarters and the company’s Middletown Works steel plant.

• Like his predecessor, Newport has served as chief financial officer before being promoted to the CEO role. Newport was named controller in 2001; chief accounting officer in 2004; vice president, business planning and development in 2010; vice president, finance and chief financial officer in 2012; senior vice president, finance and chief financial officer in 2014; and executive vice president, finance and chief financial officer this year.

• Newport also serves on several local boards such as the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce; and the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board for Xavier University’s Williams College of Business. He previously served as group chair, special projects for the 2014 United Way of Greater Cincinnati Campaign. Newport is a graduate of University of Cincinnati and Xavier University.

• The role of CEO and president is being split. While Wainscott held both titles, Kirk Reich has been named the next president.

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