Alan Cransberg has been appointed Managing Director, Alcoa of Australia, effective 1 February 2008, following Wayne Osborn’s retirement early next year.

In this role, Mr Cransberg will take on responsibility for all of Alcoa of Australia’s operations - mines, refineries and smelters in Australia - as well as best practice sharing and technology development for Alcoa’s global mining and alumina refining operations.

A Western Australian, Mr Cransberg commenced his career at Alcoa in 1980 and has spent the last seven years with Alcoa in the United States. He has held senior roles in both Australia and US operations and at the global level. *

He is also a vice president of Alcoa Inc.

Mr Cransberg said he was very much looking forward to returning to Australia to take up his new role.

“Alcoa’s operations in Australia are a great Australian success story. The company has an established reputation as a leader in safety, environmental management, community engagement and addressing the greatest sustainability issue of our time – climate change – and aluminium’s role as part of the solution.”

“As one of the country’s largest single exporters providing over six thousand jobs largely in regional and rural areas, Alcoa plays a significant role as a contributor to Australia’s economy.”

“Alcoa has a proud history in Australia and I am excited by the challenges ahead and the opportunity to play a role in the company’s future and to ensure the sustainability and growth of our operations in Australia.”

*Attachment – Alan Cransberg biography
For more information please contact Courtney Hoogen on 0400 127 427