By Mike Boyer
The Cincinnati Enquirer

AK Steel has named John G. Hritz, executive vice president, to the post of president.

Chairman Richard M. Wardrop, who has served as president since the retirement of James M. Wareham last year, announced the promotion of Mr. Hritz, 48, who joined the company in 1989 as counsel.

Mr. Hritz has held a number of executive posts, most recently overseeing steel operations, commercial and other functions.

"John Hritz brings a deep understanding of the complexities of every aspect of this industry and an unwavering vision of success for AK Steel," Mr. Wardrop said.

Mr. Hritz previously worked for Commercial Intertech Corp. and U.S. Steel Corp.

The Middletown-based company also said Michael T. Adams, 45, vice president of sales and marketing, was promoted to senior vice president for operations, sales and marketing, customer service, manufacturing planning/steel sourcing and safety and health. Mr. Adams has served as general manager of the company's Ashland, Ky., Works and its Middletown Works.

James M. Banker, 46, vice president, operations, was named vice president, sales and marketing. The company also announced that its engineering operations under vice president, Thomas C. Graham Jr., will report to James L. Wainscott, senior vice president and chief financial officer.

E-mail mboyer@enquirer.com.