GREENWICH, CT Black Diamond Capital Management, L.L.C. (Black Diamond) announces that Robert "Rob" Simon will take the helm as CEO of the newly formed Bayou Steel Group. Simon, a seasoned industry leader, has an established track record of improving and managing businesses throughout the steel industry.

"I'm honored to lead this team of dedicated professionals," said Simon. "We plan to create a culture that will nurture a world class workforce to deliver operational and commercial excellence. This, combined with our unwavering commitment to our customers, will set us apart from our competition and will ultimately drive our business growth."

Simon joins the team with over 25 years of hands-on operating experience within the steel industry, most recently leading the Structural & Rail division of Steel Dynamics, Inc. Simon also served as Group Executive Vice President for EVRAZ North America, where he was responsible for turning around fledgling operations and implementing best-practices into newly acquired business units.

"We're extremely excited to have Rob lead the newly independent Bayou Steel Group," said Stephen H. Deckoff, Founder and Managing Principal of Black Diamond. "We are confident that his leadership, customer-centric approach and operational discipline will help the Company grow its customer base, improve efficiency, boost morale and drive profitability."

Alton Davis and Jim Howe are joining the team as President/COO and VP of Sales, respectively. Davis, an industry veteran with more than 40 years in the North American steel business, recently served as COO of ArcelorMittal's long carbon division. He is a familiar face at Bayou Steel, having enjoyed several stints including General Manager and VP of Operations at Bayou's LaPlace, Louisiana, plant. Howe, also a 40-year industry veteran, returns to LaPlace after leading the sales organization there from 2003 to 2008 during which he and his team were successful in growing sales and service with a wide range of customers in 49 states, Canada, and Mexico.