Rajesh Nair of Tata Steel UK appointed new Chair of UK Steel

Rajesh Nair, Chief Executive of Tata Steel UK, has been appointed Chair of UK Steel, the trade association representing the interests of the UK’s steel industry. He will take on the role alongside his current responsibilities within Tata Steel.

With more than three decades of experience across the Tata Steel Group, Nair brings a deep operational and strategic understanding of the sector to the position. Since joining Tata Steel UK in 2021 as Chief Operating Officer and becoming CEO in 2023, he has overseen significant restructuring efforts, including the company’s transition towards lower-carbon steelmaking and efforts to secure long-term production in South Wales.

“It is an honour to be appointed Chair of UK Steel at such a pivotal moment for the industry,” Nair said. He pointed to the dual nature of the current landscape: “This is a period of profound change – with significant challenges, but also real opportunities to strengthen the sector for the long term.” Nair noted that key issues include uncompetitive energy costs and the impact of emissions-intensive steel imports. “I look forward to working with UK Steel members and stakeholders to help secure that future – working closely with Government on its Steel Strategy.”

Nair’s industry background includes major transformation projects across Tata Steel’s global operations. He previously managed complex production units such as the Cold Rolling Mill at Jamshedpur and contributed to the integration of Corus Group into Tata Steel in 2007. A graduate in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), he has also completed executive education programmes through the Fulbright scholarship at Carnegie Mellon University and CEDEP-INSEAD.

In addition to his roles at Tata Steel UK and UK Steel, Nair serves as Chair of Surahammars Bruks in Sweden and has participated in technical and policy forums including committees of the World Steel Association and the Indian Institute of Metals. His technical background includes published research and patents related to galvanised steel products.

Commenting on the appointment, Gareth Stace, Director-General of UK Steel, welcomed the leadership transition. “The appointment of Rajesh as Chair of UK Steel is excellent news for both UK Steel and our industry as a whole,” he said. “His deep experience across both the global and UK steel sectors comes at a critical time, as the UK Government prepares to release its Steel Strategy this autumn.”

Nair succeeds at a moment when the UK steel industry is undergoing significant transformation and policy recalibration. As Chair, he is expected to play a key role in guiding industry engagement with government on long-term competitiveness, decarbonisation, and trade defence measures.

Source and Photo: Tata Steel UK