Tom Dobbins joining Aluminum Association as the group’s new president & CEO from March 16

On Thursday, February 13, the Aluminum Association announced about the joining of Tom Dobbins as the group’s new president & CEO from March 16. Tom already spent 13 years as the head of the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA), the largest trade association in the world that represents composites manufacturers and their suppliers.

Accepting the new role Tom Dobbins said, “I’m thrilled to be taking on this new role during an incredibly important time for the U.S. aluminum industry.”

He also said, “The Aluminum Association has a proud legacy as one of the leading voices for the materials manufacturing sector in Washington and beyond. I look forward to taking on a leadership role as the team continues to execute on the recently developed Aluminum Agenda – from policy advocacy to supporting market growth to industry-leading research and data on sustainability and other issues.”

At the ACMA, Dobbins prioritised market growth and development for the composite industry, leading effective government affairs, communications, events, and education programmes. Under his tenure, ACMA revamped its annual trade show, worked with Congress to include provisions on composites in the last eight major infrastructure bills signed into law, led a programme to bring composite manufacturers into private events with automotive and aviation OEMs, and also worked with the Department of Energy to launch an advanced manufacturing institute for composites.

Marco Palmieri, senior vice president and president of Novelis North America and chair of the Aluminum Association, said: “Tom is a well-known and dynamic leader in materials manufacturing and a Washington veteran. Tom’s extensive experience in public policy advocacy and association management makes him a perfect fit to help move the aluminum industry forward during this critical time.”