Jean Simon of Rio Tinto Alcan Appointed Executive Committee Chairman of the Aluminum Association

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Chairman of the Aluminum Association's Board of Directors and President of Nichols Aluminum, Thomas Brackmann, announced the appointment of Jean Simon, President of Primary Metal for Rio Tinto Alcan to the Chairmanship of the Aluminum Association's Executive Committee.

Jean Simon has been part of the Rio Tinto Alcan team since 1979 holding various senior management roles including: President of Primary Metal North America (2006-2011), President of Primary Metal Quebec and USA (2005-2006,) President (2004-2005) and Vice-President for Operations (2002-2004) of Rio Tinto Alcan Primary Metal Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, General Manager of Vaudreuil Works (2001-2002,) General Manager of Laterriere Works (2000-2001,) and General Manager of Isle-Maligne Works (1998-2000.)

From 1994 – 1997, he served as Chemicals manager at Vaudreuil Works and was appointed to the Central Bargaining Committee for Operational Stability in 1998. He held various manager positions at Vaudreuil Works (1986-1994) and technical and management positions at the Jonquiere potrooms (1979-1986.)

"Jean Simon's global perspective on the industry will be invaluable to the Association in the coming years," said Heidi Brock, President of the Aluminum Association. "As President of the Board of Directors for the Aluminum Association of Canada, his appointment creates an opportunity to expand upon the existing excellent relationship between the two North American aluminum organizations."

In addition to Jean Simon's leadership at Rio Tinto Alcan and in the aluminum industry, he is serves on several Board of Directors including: Fondation de ma vie at the Sagamie Hospital Complex, Fondation de l'Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi, Conseil du patronat du Quebec, QG 100 Network, ABI Owners' Committee, Conseil des manufacturiers du Quebec, Canadian Club of Montreal. He is also a member of the Canadian American Business Council.

Jean Simon holds a Bachelor's degree in physics engineering from Laval University (1978.) He is originally from Grand-Mere and is married with three children.

The Aluminum Association, based in Arlington, Virginia, works globally to aggressively promote aluminum as the most sustainable and recyclable automotive, packaging and construction material in today's market. The Association represents U.S. and foreign-based primary producers of aluminum, aluminum recyclers and producers of fabricated products, as well as industry suppliers. Member companies operate more than 200 plants in the United States, with many conducting business worldwide.   

James Lewis
703.358.2966
[email protected]

SOURCE The Aluminum Association