CSN confirms Ciro Gomes at the helm of Transnortheastern

Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN) confirmed that Ciro Gomes (PROS), the former National Integration Minister in ex-CEO Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s first term (2003-2006), started to work in the company this past Tuesday. According to the company, Gomes takes the post of “CSN’s director in charge of Transnordestina (Transnortheastern)”, the subsidiary responsible for the railroad works in the Northeast.

Ciro Gomes will be the number one in the hierarchy of Transnordestina, above the ad interim CEO, Ricardo Fernandes, who took office in January 2014, after Angelo Baptista resigned. Sources interviewed by Broadcast, news service in real time of the Agência Estado, assert that Gomes shall soon formally take the role of CEO. The company did not elaborate on details of the hiring, such as duration of contract, and salary. Gomes is working in CSN’s building on Faria Lima Avenue, in Sao Paulo’s capital.

The whole negotiation of Gomes’ going to CSN was informed in advance by Broadcast. Last Monday news reports gave notice that he would take the position on Tuesday. Confirmation that he was going to CSN was disclosed on January 23. The information was released by the politician’s advisory who, at the time did not inform the position he would take. The invitation to the former minister to work in the company was also revealed  first hand AS ONE DE of last November.

Challenges. Ciro is going to have as main challenge the conclusion of the Transnortheastern railroad, a R$ 7.5 billion works that should have been delivered in 2010. But, after  successive problems and stoppage it is anticipated  to be concluded by the end of  2016. The railroad was launched in 2006 as one of the most important projects of former president Lula, and  included in PAC-2, in president Dilma Rousseff’s first term.