In March 2013, Stephen Douglas Williams was appointed Mechel Bluestone's chief executive officer, replacing Tom Lusk.
Mechel Mining Management Co. OOO's chief executive officer Boris Nikishichev commented, "Tom Lusk's professionalism and excellent knowledge enabled us to successfully go through the transition period and overcome many difficulties. We are wholeheartedly grateful to him for his help and hard work. Stephen Douglas Williams has extensive experience and has proved himself to the market as a first-class specialist and skilled manager. Besides, he has worked at Mechel Bluestone since January as chief operating officer, which enabled him to delve deeply into the company's business processes. We are sure that he will make Mechel Bluestone even more successful and efficient."
Prior to his appointment, since January 2013, Mr. Williams was chief operating officer at Mechel Bluestone. Before that, since August 2010 he was senior vice president and chief operating officer at Natural Resources International (Barclays Natural Resources). In 2009-2010, he was chief operating officer at INR Energy, LLC. In 2008-2009, he was senior vice-president for mining at Cliffs North American Coal. In 2003-2007, he was vice-president and general manager at Pinnacle Mining Co., LLC. In 2002-2003, he was general manager for Asia/Pacific at CNX Australia. In 1999-2002, he was first assistant mine superintendent and then mine superintendent at VP 8 Mine, Island Creek Coal Company (CONSOL Energy). In 1993-1999, he worked as attorney-at-law at Steptoe and Johnson, P.L.L.C. In summers of 1991 and 1992, he worked as assistant contract mine coordinator at Catenary Coal Company. Before that, in 1988-1990, he was longwall coordinator at Humphrey Mine, Consolidation Coal Company. In 1985-1988, he worked first as project engineer and then as production foreman at Osage and Arkwright Mines, Consolidation Coal Company.
Mr. Williams graduated from West Virginia University's College of Mineral and Energy Resources with a bachelor's degree in engineering of mines. He also holds a doctorate of jurisprudence from West Virginia University's College of Law.
Mechel Bluestone’s mining operations are located in West Virginia, one of the oldest and largest coal mining regions in the United States (the Central Appalachian Mountains). Mechel Bluestone is headquartered in Beckley, W.Va.
Mechel is a leading Russian company. Its business includes four segments: mining, steel, ferroalloy and power. Mechel unites producers of coal, iron ore concentrate, nickel, ferrochrome, ferrosilicon, steel, rolled products, hardware, heat and electric power. Mechel products are marketed domestically and internationally.