SSI UK has restructured its management team following the decision by former chief executive Phil Dryden to step down after three years spearheading the revival of the steelmaker.

In addition to his positions as SSI Group chief executive and President, Win Viriyaprapaikit will assume the position of managing director for the Redcar-based business.

South Africa-born Cornelius Louwrens has been promoted from operations director to the post of UK business director and chief operating officer.

Steve France is now operations director.

Mr Viriyaprapaikit said: “As we enter a new chapter in Teesside steelmaking, I believe the time is right for us to implement this new core structure, which is designed to further improve our decision making processes and support the closer integration of the business with the rest of the SSI Group.

"In addition to the core group, I believe we are fortunate in having a strong, experienced and capable management team at Teesside who will drive the business forward and I am confident of their full support as we take up the challenges which lie ahead”.