ASHLAND, Ky. — An experienced leader in the aluminum industry will join Braidy Industries as chief operating officer in January.

Braidy announced the move that will bring Mike Otero to the Kentucky-based manufacturer effective Jan. 6, 2020. He replaces Blaine Holt, who resigned as COO in October to “pursue new opportunities.”

Otero was the CEO of Oman Aluminum Rolling Mill Company, a $500 million greenfield aluminum rolling mill and plant line facility in Sohar, Oman.

He was able to strategically position itself as the world’s largest off-shore supplier of aluminum flat rolled products (common alloy and foil) to the United States. Prior to OARC, Mr. Otero served as Commercial and Supply Chain Manager for Sohar Aluminum, a $2.7 billion greenfield construction smelter and power plant project.

“Mike’s extensive executive experience in the aluminum industry will be of unique advantage to Braidy Industries as we move forward with the construction of our world-class aluminum rolling mill,” said Braidy CEO Craig Bouchard. “His track record in operations and finance, and experience building a successful commercial mill will prove instrumental to achieving our objective of developing lighter and stronger low-carbon alloys for America and territory beyond.”

Otero also held prior positions at Rio Tinto Aluminum, Edwards D. Jones & Co., LLP and Crown Crafts, and served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves from 1989-1997 as a logistics specialist.

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