Brazilian Aluminium Association ‘ABAL’ appoints Janaina Donas as first woman President

On 5^th August 2021, the Brazilian Aluminium Association, ABAL has appointed Janaina Donas as Executive President for the first time, while the role was previously held by Milton Rego after a seven-month recruitment process.

Abal stated that most recently Donas acted as an External Relations and New Business Director for Latin America in Peru and the United States for US-based gold-copper-silver producer Newmont Corporation for almost three years. However, before this role, she was working with the American Industrial Corporation, Alcoa as Director of Government Affairs from 2012 to 2018.

Janaina graduated in International Relations and has a qualified MBA with extensive corporate experience. She began her career as a political consultant, working for national and multinational companies in sectors such as mining, energy, consumer goods, agribusiness and pharmaceuticals.

Among the main objectives ahead of ABAL, Janaina lists as a priority the positioning of aluminium as part of the solution for a world that moves increasingly towards sustainability.

Janaina said: “Our product is extremely competitive due to Brazilian aluminium’s low carbon footprint. We have an integrated production chain that is a world reference in environmental and social responsibility, as well as in governance.”

Otavio Carvalheira, President of ABAL's Board of Directors, said: “This is the first time that a woman will take charge of ABAL in its 51 years of existence. Janaina brings together ideal skills, abilities and experiences to represent the Brazilian aluminium industry.”

“We know that the sector is still eminently male and that we have a long way to go in terms of inclusion and diversity. But it is encouraging to see the advances made by women in gaining space and professional recognition. We hope that Janaina's example will be added to other initiatives and that it will serve as an incentive to increase diversity and inclusion.”