Jon Bolton is the Chair of The Materials Processing Institute and leads the stakeholder steering group of TransFIRe (Transforming the Foundation Industries Research Hub). He is also a trustee of the Engineering Development Trust (EDT), where he encourages young people to pursue careers in STEM-related industries.
With a distinguished career in the steel industry spanning over 15 years of board-level responsibilities, Jon Bolton has made significant contributions through various high-profile roles. His extensive experience includes:
- Vice President of Construction and Operations for TRICO Steel in Alabama.
- Managing Director of Corus Engineering Steels.
- Managing Director of Corus Rail, with operations in both France and the UK.
- Managing Director of Teesside Cast Products.
- Director of Tata Steel Long Products Europe.
- CEO of Liberty Speciality Steels and Head of Global Development.
- CEO of Liberty Steel UK.
- Director of GFG Global Business Development: Steel.
- CEO of Liberty Steel Continental Europe.
Each role has been characterised by his adept leadership in large-scale transactions and business transformations, effectively deploying strategic objectives and aligning diverse stakeholder interests to achieve desired outcomes. He led the operational elements of five major acquisitions, including Tata Speciality Steels and the former ArcelorMittal businesses in Eastern and Central Europe, valued at €700 million.
From 2013 to 2018, Jon Bolton served as Chair of the UK Steel trade association. Additionally, he was the joint Chair of the UK Steel Council, alongside the Secretary of State for Business, Energy, Innovation, and Skills, from 2015 to 2018. His leadership was instrumental in developing a UK Metals Strategy sponsored by the Department of Business Innovation and Skills. He also chaired the leadership group for the national rollout of Industrial Cadets.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the steel industry, Jon Bolton was awarded the Bessemer Gold Medal in 2019.
