SOUTHINGTON, CT: Yarde Metals, a subsidiary of Reliance Steel and Aluminum, announces effective November 1, 2008, Tracy Yarde Smith will leave the company and relinquish her role as President of Yarde Metals, citing family obligations. Mrs. Smith successfully led the company through the transition from a private to a public company from 2006 through 2008.
Matthew L. Smith, the company's current COO, has been promoted to President of Yarde Metals. Mr. Smith brings diverse experience and knowledge to his new role. Having joined the company in 1998 at its East Hanover, New Jersey branch location, he was quickly promoted to Branch Operations Supervisor. In addition to developing his expertise in operational excellence, he was also able to work closely with human resources, sales, purchasing and marketing. In 2000, Mr. Smith was brought to the company's corporate headquarters in Connecticut to lead the transportation group as Fleet Manager and was quickly promoted to Vice President of Operations. Under Matt's leadership, his team increased operational efficiencies throughout the distribution chain. As a member of the Executive Management Team, he was instrumental in the execution of several mission critical initiatives, including expanding the size, scope and geographic service area of Yarde Metals into nine new markets. Since 2007, he has been serving as the company's COO. As COO he has been directly involved in developing and implementing the strategic plans and corporate initiatives of the company, as well as coordinating these efforts with the parent company. Mr. Smith has shown vision and leadership throughout his career. Yarde Metals looks forward to Matt's direction and guidance as he takes on the challenge as the company' new President.
Yarde Metals, a multi-metal distributor, is headquartered in Southington, CT with branch facilities in New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Ohio. The company's international division is located at its Long Island branch in Hauppauge, New York.