Retired Regina business executive Roger Phillips has died at 73. (CBC)

Roger Phillips, the outspoken Saskatchewan businessman who helped transform IPSCO from a regional company into an important North American steelmaker, has died at age 73.

Born in Ottawa, Phillips became president of IPSCO in 1982 and remained in that role until he retired in 2002. Over that time, the company expanded production both at its flagship Regina steel plant and at operations in the United States.

Today, the steel plant on the northern edge of Regina remains one of the area's largest private employers, although IPSCO has changed ownership and is now part of Evraz.

Phillips sat on the board of directors of several companies, including Canadian Pacific Railways and TD Canada Trust.

Outside the steel business, the bilingual Phillips was active in many charities, including Regina's YMCA and the Mackenzie Art Gallery.

As one of the province's best-known businessmen, Phillips was often in the news talking about the steel business, climate change and other issues of the day.

Among the honours he has received is the Order of Canada.