Cliffs Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cliffs has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, and regional operations.

Driven by a commitment to innovation, Cliffs is dedicated to advancing the steel industry through vertical integration and a focus on high-quality production, significantly impacting North American manufacturing and automotive sectors.

Leadership Roles at Cliffs

  • Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer - Lourenco Goncalves
  • President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific) - Richard Mehan
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Celso Goncalves
  • UAW President, Local 3462 - Kurt Knicely
  • Chief Information Officer - Gary Ramba
  • Lourenco Goncalves - Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

    Lourenco Goncalves, the Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer at Cliffs, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the entire enterprise. This leadership role encompasses guiding the company's vertical integration from raw material extraction through advanced steelmaking and downstream finishing processes. Goncalves ensures alignment across all divisions, including Steelmaking, Tubular, Tooling and Stamping, and European Operations, driving the company's position as North America's largest flat-rolled steel producer. His strategic vision focuses on maximizing efficiency, expanding market share, particularly within the automotive sector, and maintaining financial discipline. By overseeing critical investments in technology and capacity, Lourenco Goncalves solidifies Cliffs' competitive advantage and its role as a foundational supplier to key industries across the United States and Canada.
    Lourenco Goncalves

    Richard Mehan - President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific)

    Richard Mehan, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific) at Cliffs, spearheads the company's strategic initiatives and operational oversight within the Asia Pacific region. This executive leadership position involves developing and implementing market-specific strategies to expand Cliffs' presence and product offerings in this dynamic global market. Mehan directs regional business development, manages key stakeholder relationships, and ensures operational excellence in alignment with the company's broader objectives. His focus includes navigating regional market complexities, identifying growth opportunities, and optimizing supply chain logistics to serve customers effectively. By leading the Asia Pacific operations, Richard Mehan contributes significantly to Cliffs' global footprint and its ambition to be a premier steel supplier worldwide.

    Celso Goncalves - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Celso Goncalves, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Cliffs, directs the company's financial strategy, planning, and reporting. This critical role involves managing all financial operations, including capital allocation, treasury, investor relations, and risk management, ensuring the fiscal health and stability of the enterprise. Goncalves oversees the financial performance of Cliffs' vertically integrated structure, from mining operations to steel production and downstream activities. His responsibilities include driving profitability, optimizing financial resources, and supporting strategic investments that fuel the company's growth and market leadership in North America. By providing robust financial oversight and strategic guidance, Celso Goncalves ensures Cliffs maintains its strong financial position and continues its trajectory as a leading steel manufacturer.

    Kurt Knicely - UAW President, Local 3462

    Kurt Knicely, the UAW President, Local 3462 at Cliffs, represents the interests of unionized employees within Local 3462, ensuring fair labor practices and fostering a productive working relationship between management and the workforce. This leadership position involves advocating for employee welfare, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, and addressing workplace concerns to maintain operational continuity and employee morale. Knicely plays a vital role in bridging communication between union members and company leadership, contributing to a stable and collaborative environment across Cliffs' manufacturing and mining facilities. By championing the rights and needs of the union membership, Kurt Knicely supports the overall operational integrity and human capital strategy of the company.

    Gary Ramba - Chief Information Officer

    Gary Ramba, the Chief Information Officer at Cliffs, architects and executes the company's comprehensive information technology strategy. This involves overseeing all aspects of digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, data management, and technology innovation across the organization's diverse operations. Ramba ensures that IT systems effectively support the company's core business functions, from iron ore mining and beneficiation to advanced steelmaking and downstream finishing. His responsibilities include driving digital transformation initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, improve data analytics capabilities, and strengthen the company's competitive edge in the North American market. By managing technology investments and fostering a culture of digital advancement, Gary Ramba plays a crucial part in enabling Cliffs' continued growth and its commitment to being a leading steel manufacturer.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cliffs Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cliffs?
    Cliffs is led by Lourenco Goncalves (Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Richard Mehan (President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific)) and Celso Goncalves (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Cliffs’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cliffs includes leaders such as Lourenco Goncalves (Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer), Richard Mehan (President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific)), Celso Goncalves (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cliffs have?
    Cliffs has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cliffs’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cliffs includes roles such as Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific), Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, UAW President, Local 3462, Chief Information Officer.