Michael Parker named President Alcoa Refining and Australia Region

Alcoa today announced that Michael Parker will become President Alcoa Refining and Australia Region effective 25 September. He succeeds Alan Cransberg who will retire from Alcoa after 35 years of distinguished service.

Parker will be responsible for Alcoa's refineries across the globe, including commercial and operational activities, as well as environment, health and safety and the Refining Centre of Excellence. Alcoa has refineries in Australia, Brazil, Spain, Suriname and the United States (US). Parker will also represent Alcoa in Australia to facilitate growth opportunities and coordinate government affairs, human resources, communications and associations.

"Michael’s exemplary leadership capabilities and significant commercial expertise will help him continue to drive the success of Alcoa’s Refining business globally," said Bob Wilt, President of Alcoa Global Primary Products. “During his career Michael has displayed outstanding business acumen, playing a lead role in many crucial commercial negotiations including the recent gas supply contracts to secure energy for our Western Australian refineries."

Parker joined Alcoa in 1994 and most recently served as Vice President Commercial, Alcoa Refining and Director, Business Development and Marketing for Alcoa of Australia. Previously, he held assignments in the US and Australia serving in various commercial roles including Vice President Metal Price Risk Management and Vice President Alcoa Materials Management. Parker holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business from Griffith University in Queensland.

Cransberg joined Alcoa in 1980 and has served in numerous domestic and international senior management roles including President of Primary Products – US and North America, and President of Primary Metals Manufacturing before moving back to Australia to assume the role of President of the Australia region.

"Alan is an iconic Alcoa leader who has made a tremendous difference for the company," Wilt said.

“He has been a driving force in the success of the business from his early days as an engineer in Western Australia’s mining and refining businesses to his current role leading the global refining business and Australia region.

“Throughout his career, Alan earned the respect of employees who worked with him, as well as community, business and political leaders. His knowledge, charisma and leadership will be sorely missed,” continued Wilt.

Cransberg plans to continue his lifelong interest in football and community volunteer efforts in retirement. He is Chairman of the West Coast Eagles Football Club and a board member for the Black Swan State Theatre Company and plans to stay actively involved in business and community activities through non executive director roles and volunteering.