Alcoa leader named as one of Australia’s Top 100 Most Influential Engineers

Alan Cransberg, President of Alcoa Refining and Chairman and Managing Director of Alcoa of Australia, has been named by Engineers Australia for the eighth time in Australia’s Top 100 Most Influential Engineers.

Mr Cransberg manages the company’s global alumina refining assets, based in Australia, Brazil, Spain, the US and Suriname. He is also accountable for Alcoa’s Global Refining Centre of Excellence and provides oversight and management support for all Australian operations. In the past year he has overseen the transformation of Alcoa’s refining portfolio, delivering lower cost of production in Alcoa’s global upstream business.

“Surround yourself with people who accept and navigate change well. Successful businesses are very aware of the global marketplace and are able to rapidly respond to the constantly changing needs of customers and supply dynamics,” Cransberg said.

Mr Cransberg, 57, recently announced his retirement after a stellar 35-year career with Alcoa, which he began in 1980 as a civil engineer. Michael Parker, who recently led Alcoa’s gas supply negotiations for its Western Australian refineries, takes the helm from 25 September as Alcoa’s Australian operations continue to strengthen against global competitors.

Mr Cransberg is the Chairman of the West Coast Eagles and is on the boards of the Black Swan State Theatre Company, the US Alcoa Foundation and Our Watch - aimed at preventing domestic violence. He is also a member of CEO’s for Gender Equity. He plans to stay actively involved in business, football and community activities.