Undeli says he is looking forward to taking on the new role that combines the bauxite and alumina unit in the Primary Metals Area with the various assets being transferred from Vale.

The new business area will include 2,500 employees, mostly in Brazil.

Back to the roots

Johnny Undeli is a mining engineer, graduated from the University of Trondheim in Norway, and worked for many years at the French company Total before joining Hydro's oil and gas operations in 1983.

Since 1989, he has held several leadership positions in Hydro's Aluminum Area, and since 2009 he has been a member of the corporate board, a position he will continue to hold.

Undeli, who has over 30 years of experience in international leadership - 16 of whom were outside Norway - says he is very excited about the opportunities the agreement represents.

“I look forward to going back to my origins. This new position demands what I studied for my whole life. What's more, I can't wait to deal with the new tasks that present themselves within one of the fastest growing economies in the world, ”says Undeli.

“I had already been responding for a few years for extruded areas in Latin America, including Hydro Alumínio Acro in Brazil, so I already know a little about the resources and opportunities of our Brazilian colleagues, as well as the work that Vale did in the units we now manage, which are recognized as the best and best operated in this segment.

“Our starting point is very good. Furthermore, Vale has a set of values and business culture very similar to ours ”.

Vale employees have a lot to contribute.

What does Undeli believe Hydro can add to the new operations?

"I think more about everything our new colleagues can teach us," he says. “This is an operation that they know better than anyone. At the same time, I am sure that Hydro has competence in the processes and administration of projects that can help to strengthen these operations.

“I have been involved for many years with issues related to safety, good practices and continuous improvement, and I have realized how a good safety culture can be the basis for successful integration. This is an experience that I will not hesitate to take with me to Brazil.

“My goal is to increase the production of bauxite to 10 million tons per year and that of alumina to 6 million tons per year and then we will evaluate the possibility of expanding production”.

Undeli guarantees: "I can't wait to start." & nbsp; & nbsp;