NEW YORK — Severstal North America Inc. has appointed Saikat Dey as chief strategy and procurement officer effective Dec. 15.

In his new position, Dey will oversee the company’s strategy, business planning and purchasing, the Deaborn, Mich.-based steelmaker said.

Dey will replace David A. Howard, who will take a new role as plant manager at Double Eagle Steel Coating Co., Severstal’s electrogalvanizing joint venture with Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel Corp.