Alba CEO Ali Al Baqali gets appointed as IAI Chair succeeding Satish Pai

Ali Al Baqali, CEO of Aluminium Bahrain BSC (Alba), has been appointed as the new Chair of the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), succeeding Satish Pai of Hindalco Industries. Al Baqali brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Alba, one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters.

“I am incredibly humbled to take on the leadership of the IAI at this critical juncture. We face many challenges within the industry, particularly climate change, and I am committed to guiding the IAI towards a sustainable future,” Baqali stated.

With Al Baqali's appointment, the IAI anticipates a continued focus on sustainability and growth within the aluminium industry. His proven track record of innovation and commitment to sustainability positions him as a fitting successor to Satish Pai.

Al Baqali’s leadership at Alba has been characterised by a rigid commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Under his guidance, Alba has developed a comprehensive ESG roadmap, highlighting his dedication to driving sustainability initiatives within the industry.

The Secretary General of IAI, Miles Prosser, asserted: “Ali is an exceptional leader who has been at the forefront of the sustainability transformation of Alba. He has been an active member of the IAI Board and will be an excellent Chair, and I very much look forward to working with him. With his track record of innovation and drive for a global sustainable industry, we are confident in his ability to steer our industry towards unprecedented growth and sustainability." 

“I would also like to thank Satish for his vision, support and leadership. He has made a very important contribution not only to the development of this association but to the entire industry,” Prosser concluded. 

In assuming the role of IAI Chair, Al Baqali expressed his commitment to guiding the industry towards a sustainable future. He highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing challenges such as climate change and reiterated the industry's role as active participants in building a sustainable future.

“The aluminium sector is undergoing a seismic shift, and we are no longer bystanders but active participants in building a sustainable future. Our future will be driven by action, not just awareness and together we are actively making significant strides from championing aggressive recycling initiatives to spearheading groundbreaking decarbonisation programmes,” Alba CEO notified. 

“I, as a firm believer in ESG principles and a champion for sustainability, am energised by the prospect of working alongside my esteemed IAI board members. Together, we will not only continue to improve, but we will redefine what’s possible for our industry’s sustainable future.” he asserted. 

Educated in multiple countries and recognised as one of the top business leaders in the Middle East, Al Baqali brings a global perspective to his new role as IAI Chair.

The IAI also announced the appointment of Vice-Chairs, representing key players in the aluminium industry. Together, they will work towards promoting sustainable development and increasing demand for aluminium products. The International Aluminium Institute (IAI) has appointed seven Vice-Chairs, including John Thuestad (Hydro), Luciano Alves (CBA), Tolga Egrilmezer (Rio Tinto), John Slaven (Vedanta), Abdulnasser Bin Kalban (EGA), Shuichi Asakuno (Nippon Light Metal) and Xiangdong Duan (Chinalco).