Kjetil Ebbesberg (Hydro) and Roberta Niboli (Raffmetal) were respectively appointed Chair and Vice-Chair of European Aluminium for the 2017-2018 term at today’s General Assembly in Antwerp, Belgium.

“On behalf of European Aluminium’s staff and members, I would like to welcome the appointment of Kjetil and Roberta,” said Gerd Götz, European Aluminium Director General. “Both are extremely knowledgeable and motivated leaders in the European aluminium sector who are committed to our industry’s future.”

Kjetil Ebbesberg is Executive Vice President, Rolled Products and a member of the Corporate Management of Hydro. He has worked for the Norwegian-based company since 1996, including as Chief Financial Officer for Metal Products, Head of BU Foundry Alloys and EVP Metal Markets. Mr Ebbesberg was Vice-Chairman of European Aluminium since 2015.

Mr Ebbesberg said, “I am honoured to be elected Chair of European Aluminium. Our industry is facing challenges in Europe, particularly in the fields of trade and energy. However, challenges also represent opportunities for the European aluminium industry. We have already started to seize these opportunities by launching Initiatives for Change: the Sustainability Roadmap to 2025 and the Innovation Hub. I look forward to working together with our members to achieving the ambitious targets outlined in these initiatives.”

Roberta Niboli is CEO of Italian company Raffmetal, a part of Fondital Group. Raffmetal is Europe’s largest refiner of aluminium alloys, produced using recovered materials such as aluminium scrap. Ms Niboli is a member of European Aluminium’s Executive Committee since 2009 and was the Chair of the Recycling Division from 2009 to 2015.

Ms Niboli said, “I am deeply proud to take on the role of Vice-Chair for what is a truly diverse and forward-looking industry. Our material is permanent, meaning all aluminium products can be endlessly recycled and reused, from beverage cans and cars to window frames and bicycles. We have long contributed to the creation of a circular economy in Europe and will continue to do so.”

Photo: Left to right - Gerd Götz, Roberta Niboli, Kjetil Ebbesberg