From metallurgy to management: Engineering leadership in practice

With two engineering degrees, a master’s in international business, MBA in Sustainability and Sustainable Management and two decades of experience at ArcelorMittal, Ludmilla Milanez’s career is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and a passion for continuous learning. Her journey from biomedical engineering in an American hospital in Georgia to leading CO₂ governance at the Group chief technology office (CTO) office in Luxembourg is as inspiring as it is unconventional.

“I started in biomedical engineering, working with medical equipment in hospitals,” Ludmilla recalls. “But I was drawn to biomaterials - where biomedical and metallurgical engineering intersect. That curiosity led me back to Brazil to study metallurgy, and eventually into the steel industry.”

What began as an internship in steel turned into a lifelong career. After completing her studies, Ludmilla joined ArcelorMittal through a trainee program and has remained with the company ever since. Over 20 years, she has held roles in quality control, product development, industrial strategy, and change management - each one building on the last.

“I’ve always treated every task as a learning opportunity,” she says. “Even repetitive ones - I try to reinvent them, find new ways to approach them. That mindset has shaped my entire career. I’ve also received consistent feedback and recognition, which has helped me grow.”

Her advice to young professionals? Focus on your own development. “Don’t compare your journey to others. Every experience is a chance to grow, whether or not it leads to a promotion. Keep improving yourself, that’s what matters.”

Ludmilla credits both formal and informal learning for her growth. She’s pursued online courses, read extensively, and learned on the job. “One of the great things about ArcelorMittal is the access to expertise across the company. If I need to understand something about biomass in Canada, I know there’s an expert who I can speak to, and I’ll get better insights than any textbook could offer.”

She’s also a strong advocate for mentoring. “I’ve had informal mentors and now I’m a mentor myself. It’s rewarding to help others navigate their careers—and I learn from them too.”

International mobility has played a key role in her growth. Having lived in the U.S., Chile, and Germany, Ludmilla embraced a new challenge when she moved to Luxembourg with her young daughter. “It was a big step, especially as a single mother. But the company supported me, and it’s been incredibly enriching, both professionally and personally.”

ArcelorMittal’s flexible and empathetic work culture and management has helped her balance her career and family life. “My managers are supportive and mindful of y responsibilities. They help minimise travel when possible, which allows me to stay focused and present – both at work and at home.”

Over the years, Ludmilla has seen the company evolve in its approach to employee development and collaboration. “In Brazil, I led a team with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. It was a strength. And now, at the corporate level, I see a similar openness to new ideas and ways of working.

Looking ahead, she’s excited about the future of steel. “We’re tackling decarbonization, finding alternatives ways of producing steel in a sustainable way, expanding in emerging economies, investing in innovation, and building for the future. It’s an exciting time to be part of this transformation and to contribute to shaping what comes next.”

Her most memorable experience in all these years has perhaps been leading change management at ArcelorMittal Tubarão. “It was intense—long hours, deep engagement with frontline workers and leadership. But we made real improvements. It was technical, human, and deeply rewarding.”

Ludmilla’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose, and an inspiring example of what’s possible at ArcelorMittal.