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Zekelman Industries Announces Changes in Leadership
08/19/2025 - North American steel pipe and tube manufacturer Zekelman Industries announced it has made three leadership appointments to its executive team.
Jeff Cole has been named chief operating officer (COO) while Chris Hoyt has been named president of Atlas Tube. The company said these appointments will support its mission to set the industry standard for safety, quality, customer service and operational excellence.
“The appointments of Jeff and Chris, and the changes to our structure will drive operating performance and customer service to even higher levels,” said Tom Muth, president of the pipe and tube division of Zekelman Industries.
Cole has worked with the company for 32 years, having begun his career with Atlas Tube as a mill operator. He will oversee operations for all pipe and tube divisions including plant operations and engineering functions as COO.
His new position will include partnering closely with business unit presidents to align operational strategies and complete organizational objectives. He will also lead teams focused on operational training, project management and continuous improvement.
Hoyt succeeds Cole in his new role as president of Atlas Tube. He joined Zekelman in 2022 as vice president of sales at Atlas Tube and previously held several sales leadership roles in the U.S. steel industry. He will have direct oversight of sales, service and production planning teams.
“We are dedicated to fostering leadership that aligns with our company values and vision for growth, innovation and customer-focused solutions,” Muth said.
On Wednesday, Zekelman Industries announced It has also appointed Jason Pappas in the new role of vice president of AI and innovation. Pappas will report directly to Mickey McNamara, president of Zekelman Industries, and lead the company in AI adoption, strengthening operational excellence and enhancing the customer experience.
“Under Jason’s leadership, we will intensify our efforts to apply generative AI, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation to improve safety, quality and throughput while delivering faster, more advanced services to our customers,” said McNamara.
Pappas has more than 25 years of experience in the manufacturing and power management industry. He has experience in technical and customer-facing roles in IT, sales and marketing. His specialties include digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and process and organizational change management. He previously served as director of AI and innovation at Eaton Corp.
“I’m thrilled to join Zekelman and advance the company’s investments in AI and innovation within the organization and across its customer base,” said Pappas.
“The appointments of Jeff and Chris, and the changes to our structure will drive operating performance and customer service to even higher levels,” said Tom Muth, president of the pipe and tube division of Zekelman Industries.
Cole has worked with the company for 32 years, having begun his career with Atlas Tube as a mill operator. He will oversee operations for all pipe and tube divisions including plant operations and engineering functions as COO.
His new position will include partnering closely with business unit presidents to align operational strategies and complete organizational objectives. He will also lead teams focused on operational training, project management and continuous improvement.
Hoyt succeeds Cole in his new role as president of Atlas Tube. He joined Zekelman in 2022 as vice president of sales at Atlas Tube and previously held several sales leadership roles in the U.S. steel industry. He will have direct oversight of sales, service and production planning teams.
“We are dedicated to fostering leadership that aligns with our company values and vision for growth, innovation and customer-focused solutions,” Muth said.
On Wednesday, Zekelman Industries announced It has also appointed Jason Pappas in the new role of vice president of AI and innovation. Pappas will report directly to Mickey McNamara, president of Zekelman Industries, and lead the company in AI adoption, strengthening operational excellence and enhancing the customer experience.
“Under Jason’s leadership, we will intensify our efforts to apply generative AI, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation to improve safety, quality and throughput while delivering faster, more advanced services to our customers,” said McNamara.
Pappas has more than 25 years of experience in the manufacturing and power management industry. He has experience in technical and customer-facing roles in IT, sales and marketing. His specialties include digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and process and organizational change management. He previously served as director of AI and innovation at Eaton Corp.
“I’m thrilled to join Zekelman and advance the company’s investments in AI and innovation within the organization and across its customer base,” said Pappas.
