China – The executive vice-president of Hydro’s primary metal business was selected to lead the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) at the 89th meeting of its board of directors in Shanghai. Hilde Aasheim takes over from Abdulla Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, following his two-year tenure.
Aasheim commented that the aluminium industry is currently going through a time of “unprecedented change”. She explained: “We see growing demand for lightweight, strong, safe and energy-efficient aluminium products across all market segments and, through the IAI, we will continue to promote sustainability.”
Kalban added that, while 2015 was “the most challenging of years”, owing to a combination of depressed commodity prices, stagnant growth and both economic and geopolitical uncertainty, demand for aluminium products “remains robust”. He said there would be “exciting times ahead as advances and innovation continue in the transportation sector in particular”.
Although stepping down from his current role, Kalban will continue to serve the IAI as vice-chair.