Alcoa Re-Aligns Global Primary Products Business

John Thuestad (front) and Bernt Reitan. Photo: www.helgeland-arbeiderblad.no

New York, Sep 03, 2009 — Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today a re-alignment of its Global Primary Products (GPP) business organization that will sustain and accelerate the many improvements the operations have made, and seize growth opportunities as the economy recovers.

Effective immediately, John Thuestad, 49, has been named to the new position of Chief Operating Officer for GPP Worldwide, reporting to Bernt Reitan, Alcoa Executive Vice President and President GPP. Thuestad was formerly President of GPP-United States.

Bernt Reitan said, “These changes strengthen our Primary business on a both a global and regional basis, puts proven leaders in our key U.S. and Canadian markets, and further aligns our organization for continued success.” John Thuestad joined Alcoa in 2008 as President, Global Primary Products — United States, with responsibility for Alcoa’s aluminum smelters in the U.S. and the alumina refinery in Pt. Comfort, Texas.

Before coming to Alcoa, John was President and CEO of Elkem AS of Norway, a metals and materials company, since 2005. Alcoa’s 45-year presence in Norway was established through a partnership with Elkem. Between 2000-2005, he was senior vice president, Aluminum Division and Managing Director of 50%-Alcoa owned Elkem Aluminum ANS.

Alcoa has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for seven consecutive years. Alcoa employs approximately 63,000 people in 31 countries across the world.

More information can be found on Alcoa.com