BlueScope has announced the appointment of Tania Archibald as its next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Mark Vassella when he retires on 1 February 2026.
Archibald, who currently serves as Chief Executive of BlueScope’s Australian Steel Products business, will become the company’s fourth CEO since its listing on the ASX 23 years ago.
In a statement, BlueScope Chair Jane McAloon said the Board was confident in Archibald’s ability to lead the Group through its next phase of growth.
“We are delighted to appoint Tania to be the fourth CEO since BlueScope listed on the ASX 23 years ago,” McAloon said.
“Tania is a highly capable executive who has demonstrated outstanding leadership over the course of her 30-year career at BlueScope. She is passionate about the uplift of our safety performance and wellbeing of our people, and is committed to delivering for our customers.”
McAloon added that Archibald’s “track record in driving sustainability, financial resilience and operational excellence gives the Board great confidence in her ability to lead the Group and deliver on the next phase of BlueScope’s strategy.”
BlueScope noted Archibald has held several leadership positions across BlueScope, including Chief Financial Officer, and roles in finance, strategy and business development in Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and Indonesia. She will be based at BlueScope’s Melbourne head office upon assuming the top role.
According to BlueScope, Archibald’s appointment followed a comprehensive global search that considered both internal and external candidates.
The Board also reportedly paid tribute to outgoing Managing Director and CEO Mark Vassella, who will retire after eight years in the role and a long career in the steel industry.
“Mark is an exceptional, values-based leader,” McAloon said. “He has navigated the Group through unprecedented challenges while steadfastly prioritising our people and our communities. Under his stewardship, BlueScope has evolved into a structurally resilient business. Mark has led BlueScope with clarity and conviction, humility and warmth. By every measure he has been an outstanding CEO, and we thank him sincerely and wish him well in his retirement.”
Reflecting on her appointment, Archibald said she was honoured to take on the role and committed to continuing BlueScope’s focus on its people and communities.
“I’d like to thank the BlueScope Board for their trust and confidence and to thank Mark for his tremendous leadership in building the strong company BlueScope is today,” Archibald said.
“I’m proud to lead our talented teams into the next era and am committed to working hard for our customers, our people, our shareholders and our local communities.”
Vassella said he believed the timing of the transition was right and expressed confidence in his successor.
“This is the right time to hand over, and the Board has appointed an outstanding successor,” he said. “Tania and I have worked together for many years, and I know that she has the skill, judgment and capability to lead BlueScope. It has been a privilege to lead BlueScope and work with such a brilliant team. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, and confident the Company is well positioned for continued success.”
Further details, including Archibald’s employment conditions and Vassella’s retirement arrangements, are available in BlueScope’s full ASX release.
The content of this article is based on information supplied by BlueScope Steel Ltd. For more information, please refer to the official company announcement and communications from BlueScope. Please consult a licensed and/or registered professional in this area before making any decisions based on the content of this article.
