Transitional Tenure & Turnaround Triumph

In a decisive move reflecting strategic clarity, LIBERTY Galați, part of LIBERTY Steel Group, has implemented a significant leadership reshuffle. Ajay Aggarwal, Chairman of the Board at LIBERTY Galați, has returned to the role of interim General Manager. Aggarwal, who holds more than 35 years of global experience in trading, finance, and cross-continental operations, previously led LIBERTY Galați through a remarkable turnaround in 2021, when the company posted record production of 2.35 million metric tons, turnover of RON 9.37 billion ($2.12 billion), and profits exceeding RON 1.5 billion ($340 million). His return aims to ensure business continuity and reinforce LIBERTY Galați's role as a cornerstone of Romania’s industrial sector.

Advisory Ascendancy & Analytical Acumen

As part of this transition, Radu Ionescu, the outgoing General Manager of LIBERTY Galați and Tubular, will step down from his executive role and remain within the organization as a trusted adviser and business partner. Ionescu’s tenure helped stabilize operations during challenging periods, and his new advisory position will help preserve critical institutional knowledge. The change is expected to create space for new leadership while ensuring that strategic momentum is maintained.

Restructuring Resolve & Renowned Reinforcements

Further strengthening the leadership, LIBERTY Galați has appointed Oana Petrescu as a new board member. Petrescu is a seasoned restructuring professional with three decades of experience across finance, turnaround management, and corporate governance. Her distinguished career includes senior roles at Arthur Andersen, Ernst & Young, and Deloitte, as well as serving as Executive Vice President at BCR. Currently Restructuring Partner at EuroInsol, Petrescu has been instrumental in shaping LIBERTY Galați’s long-term restructuring plan, bringing deep expertise in improving operational and financial performance.

Production Prowess & Process Precision

Internally, LIBERTY Galați has promoted Cornel Moisescu to Head of Production. Previously Head of Primary, Moisescu now oversees the entire production cycle, spanning upstream to downstream operations, including the Hot Strip Mill, Heavy Plate Mill, Cold Rolling Mills, and zinc and organic coating lines. His promotion follows a history of strong operational leadership and detailed technical knowledge, critical for optimizing production flow and maintaining quality across complex processes.

Fiscal Foresight & Financial Fortitude

Another important appointment is that of Aida Nechifor as Head of Finance. Nechifor, with over 20 years of experience at the Galați steelworks, is recognized in Romania’s steel industry. Her previous roles include General Manager from 2021 to 2023, Head of Sustainability from 2023 to 2025, and Chief Financial Officer from 2018 to 2021. Known for balancing financial rigor with strategic insight, she is also the President of UniRomSider, the Romanian Union of Steel Producers. Her focus will include strengthening LIBERTY Galați’s financial resilience, managing investment in modernization, and reinforcing operational efficiencies.

Global Governance & Generational Guidance

To secure long-term leadership and prepare for its next growth phase, LIBERTY Galați has partnered with a leading global executive search firm. This search will focus on recruiting a permanent General Manager and additional senior executives capable of navigating industry challenges and embracing innovation. The move highlights the company’s commitment to strong corporate governance and building a management team that blends international perspective with local expertise.

Strategic Significance & Socioeconomic Stewardship

These leadership changes come at a pivotal time for LIBERTY Galați, Romania’s largest integrated steel producer and a vital contributor to the national economy. By reshaping its management structure, the company aims to bolster production capacity, enhance sustainability practices, and safeguard thousands of jobs linked to its operations. The balanced approach of promoting internal talent while bringing in external experts demonstrates a forward-looking strategy designed to ensure both stability and transformation.

Sustainable Synergies & Sectoral Success

As LIBERTY Galați enters this renewed phase, its leadership reshuffle represents more than a simple organizational change—it reflects a broader vision of reinforcing the steelworks’ competitiveness, modernizing facilities, and ensuring long-term viability. By integrating strategic governance, operational expertise, and experienced leadership, LIBERTY Galați intends to remain an indispensable economic pillar in Romania while adapting to global steel market trends.

Key Takeaways:

• Ajay Aggarwal, with over 35 years of experience, returns as interim General Manager, supported by the board and trusted adviser Radu Ionescu.

• LIBERTY Galați appoints restructuring expert Oana Petrescu and promotes local leaders Cornel Moisescu and Aida Nechifor to key roles.

• A global executive search for permanent senior leadership aims to guide the company through transformation and growth.