CHICAGO — Essar Steel Algoma Inc. chief executive officer James Hrusovsky has resigned effective Nov. 1.

The Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario-based steelmaker did not give a reason for Hrusovsky’s resignation less than 17 months after he joined the company.

Chief commercial officer Kalyan Ghosh has been appointed interim chief executive, Essar Steel Algoma said Monday.

Hrusovksy "improved productivity and production levels and achieved excellent health and safety performance to successfully position Algoma going forward" Essar Steel Algoma chairman Prashant Ruia said in a statement. "We wish him every success in his future endeavour."

Hrusovsky joined Essar Steel Algoma in June 2011 (amm.com, June 28, 2011), two months after resigning as president and chief executive officer of Severstal Columbus LLC.

Essar Steel Algoma makes rolled steel products, including hot- and cold-rolled sheet and plate.