European Aluminium announces new chair, Kjetil Ebbesberg

Kjetil Ebbesberg, Hydro, yesterday took on the position of Chairman of European Aluminium until the next General Assembly, replacing Pierre Vareille.

“Under Pierre’s chairmanship, European Aluminium demonstrated leadership on climate change, trade and innovation to ensure our industry’s long-term future in Europe,” said Gerd Götz, European Aluminium Director General. “In particular, the Sustainability Roadmap launched in 2015 guides our industry’s endeavour to produce and deliver aluminium in a more sustainable manner. In this respect, integrating the recycling division into European Aluminium was the decisive step that completed the full representation of the whole value chain and strengthened our work on the circular economy.”

Mr Vareille, CEO of Constellium since 2012, spent two years at the helm of the European Aluminium Executive Committee and over four years as a member. He retired from his position at Constellium, consequently resigning from his role as Chairman of European Aluminium.

Mr Götz continued, “While Pierre leaves a strong legacy, I am convinced that Kjetil is fully equipped to lead our efforts on sustainability and innovation.”

As Vice-Chairman of European Aluminium since 2015, Kjetil Ebbesberg statutorily replaces Mr Vareille as Chairman until the next General Assembly in autumn of this year.

Mr Ebbesberg is Executive Vice President of the Rolled Products business area at Hydro. He has worked for Hydro since 1996, including as Chief Financial Officer for Metal Products, Head of BU Foundry Alloys and EVP Metal Markets, and is a full Executive Board member of Hydro.

Kjetil Ebbesberg welcomed the news stating, “I am truly honoured to be appointed the new Chairman of European Aluminium. With a growing demand for aluminium applications, our industry has a central role to play in solving many of the societal and economic challenges that Europe faces as it seeks to build a competitive and sustainable industrial sector.”

“This year we launched our Innovation Hub to consolidate our sector’s contribution as a driver of innovation in its key end-use markets like mobility and construction, engineering and packaging. I very much look forward to working with the European Aluminium team and members to further enhance our industry’s role in Europe,” Mr Ebbesberg concluded.