ALJ Regional Holdings, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Jess Ravich to serve as Executive Chairman of the company. As Executive Chairman, Mr. Ravich will serve as both Chairman of the Board and an officer of the company. John Scheel, who has served as the company's Chief Executive Officer, will continue to serve as a director, but will step down from his responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer at the request of Optima Specialty Steel, Inc. For several years, Mr. Scheel has also served as Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of KES.

In connection with its acquisition of KES, Optima asked Mr. Scheel to continue in his role as General Manager of the mill but to step down from his role as CEO of the company to avoid any perceived conflicts of interest. Accordingly, until the company appoints a new Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ravich will serve as the senior executive officer of the company.