The retirement of the long-time president of Crucible Specialty Metals, Syracuse, N.Y., has triggered a series of management changes and a new vice president of materials for the specialty steelmaker. Jim Beckman has been promoted to president from executive vice president and head of operations to succeed David Yates, 65, who retired Dec. 1 after a 42-year career in steel. Louis Lougnot, 58, who has been with Crucible for 35 years, has become vice president of materials, succeeding Dick Byrnes, 54, who was promoted to vice president of operations.