John Bevan, CEO of Alumina Ltd., has been named chairman of the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) at its 81st board of directors meeting, held April 30, 2012.

Bevan replaces Svein Richard Brandtzæg, president and CEO of Hydro.

"It is a great honor and privilege for me to take on the role of IAI chair, to continue the work of Svein Richard and to have the opportunity to work with my industry peers and colleagues in advancing the Institute and the industry over the next two years," Bevan said during the ceremony.

"Our industry is exciting, and we are committed to addressing the global issues before us," he continued. "We will continue to focus on the challenges for the industry and to build on opportunities to advance further aluminum’s role in improving quality of life for the global community, through its myriad applications and unique properties.

Bevan added, "We see growing demand for lightweight, strong, safe and energy efficient aluminum products across all market segments and, through the IAI, we will continue to promote the aluminum story, which is of one of sustainability and resource efficiency all along the metal’s value chain."