John Thuestad to Join Alcoa as President, Global Primary Products, United States

10/8/2007, NEW YORK (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that John Thuestad, 47, President and CEO of metals and materials company Elkem AS of Norway, will join Alcoa effective January 1, 2008, in the newly created position of President, Global Primary Products - United States. In this position, Mr. Thuestad will have accountability for Alcoa’s 10 aluminum smelters in the U.S. and the alumina refinery in Pt. Comfort, Texas.

“John brings a strong knowledge of the aluminum business and shares many of the same Values as we do at Alcoa particularly regarding safety, health and environmental sustainability. Alcoa’s 45-year presence in Norway was established through a partnership with Elkem, and the two companies have had a long relationship in technology sharing and development,” said Bernt Reitan, Alcoa Executive Vice President and Group President, Global Primary Products.

Article continues below...

Mr. Thuestad has been President and CEO of Elkem AS in Norway since 2005. For five years, from 2000-2005, he was senior vice president, Aluminium Division and Managing Director of 50%-Alcoa owned Elkem Aluminium ANS. He also held managing director positions at Norzink Odda and Hydro Aluminium as well as production, marketing and project management positions at the Bremanger and Salten Silicon plants and Elkem Engineering Division in Norway. From 1988-1992 he was sales/marketing manager with Elkem Metals USA based in Pittsburgh. During this time, he earned an MBA degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

About Alcoa

Alcoa is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, structures and building systems. The company has 116,000 employees in 44 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com

Source: Alcoa