Alcoa boss Cransberg to retire
West Coast Eagles chairman Alan Cransberg is retiring as boss of Alcoa’s Australian operations, ending a 35-year career with the US aluminium giant.
Alcoa made the announcement this morning, naming another long-serving executive Michael Parker as designate president, Alcoa refining, and head of Australia region.
The change will take effect on September 25.
Alcoa said Mr Parker would be responsible for Alcoa's refineries across the world, including commercial and operational activities, as well as environment, health and safety and the Refining Centre of Excellence.
Mr Parker will also represent Alcoa in Australia to facilitate growth opportunities and coordinate government affairs, human resources, communications and associations.
Mr Cransberg joined Alcoa in 1980 and spent many years in senior roles in North America before returning to his home town of Perth in 2008 to take over as managing director of Alcoa of Australia.
A former WAFL footballer who enjoyed premiership success with Swan Districts, Mr Cransberg became Eagles chairman in 2010.
“Alan is an iconic Alcoa leader who has made a tremendous difference for the company,” Bob Wilt, president of Alcoa Global Primary Products, said.
“He has been a driving force in the success of the business from his early days as an engineer in WA’s mining and refining businesses to his current role leading the global refining business and Australia region.
“Throughout his career, Alan earned the respect of employees who worked with him, as well as community, business and political leaders. His knowledge, charisma and leadership will be sorely missed.”
Mr Parker joined Alcoa in 1994 and most recently served as vice president commercial, Alcoa refining, and a director of business development and marketing for Alcoa of Australia.
“Michael’s exemplary leadership capabilities and significant commercial expertise will help him continue to drive the success of Alcoa’s refining business globally,” Mr Wilt said.
“During his career Michael has displayed outstanding business acumen, playing a lead role in many crucial commercial negotiations including the recent gas supply contracts to secure energy for our Western Australian refineries."
