Tata Steel UK’s Chief Executive, Rajesh Nair, has been appointed Chair of UK Steel, the trade association representing the UK steel industry. He will take on the role alongside his existing responsibilities at Tata Steel UK.
With more than 36 years’ experience across the Tata Steel Group, Nair has been a key figure in reshaping the UK business since joining as Chief Operating Officer in 2021 and becoming CEO in 2023. He has overseen its transition towards low-CO₂ steelmaking and worked to secure the long-term future of domestic steel production in South Wales and beyond.
An electrical engineering graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Nair has held senior operational and commercial roles worldwide. His career highlights include managing the Cold Rolling Mill complex at Jamshedpur and playing a pivotal role in the 2007 integration of Corus Group into Tata Steel. He has also led major transformation programmes across the group’s global operations.
Speaking on his appointment, Nair described the position as “an honour” and highlighted the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. He said his priorities include working with government on its forthcoming Steel Strategy, tackling uncompetitive energy costs, and addressing the threat of high-emission imports.
UK Steel Director-General Gareth Stace welcomed the announcement, noting that Nair’s global and UK experience comes at a crucial moment as the industry seeks to modernise and grow ahead of the Government’s Steel Strategy publication this autumn.
Nair also serves on the board of Tata Steel UK and chairs Surahammars Bruks in Sweden. A Fulbright Scholar with advanced management training from Carnegie Mellon University and CEDEP-INSEAD, he holds patents in galvanised steel products and has contributed to committees within the Indian Institute of Metals.
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