Karl-Ulrich Kohler named COO of Corus

Tatas-owned European steel major Corus has appointed Karl-Ulrich Kohler as the new Chief Operating Officer with effect from February 1, 2010.

"Kohler succeeds Rauke Henstra, who held the position until his retirement last year. He will report to Kirby Adams, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Steel Europe," Tata Steel said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Tata Steel had acquired Anglo-Dutch steel maker Corus in 2007. According to the filing, 53-year-old Kohler would be based at Ijmuiden in the Netherlands.

"This appointment demonstrates Tata Steel’s ambition to further enhance its European business, as well as the determination of this management team to emerge from the financial crisis in a strong and highly competitive position," Adams said.

German-born Kohler has worked with ThyssenKrupp Steel as Chairman of the executive board.

"I have been greatly impressed by the strategic changes that Kirby Adams and his team are bringing about to optimise manufacturing and commercial operations throughout Corus and I very much look forward to adding my own contribution and experience to their efforts," Kohler said.