Paul Voss the new director general of European Aluminium

The European Aluminium association appointed Paul Voss the new director general, with effect on 1 February.

Voss will succeed Gerd Götz, who is retiring at the end of March after nearly a decade at the helm of the association.

Ingrid Jörg, chairwoman of European Aluminium, commented: “I would like to thank Gerd Götz for his unwavering dedication to the association and aluminium industry. During his nine-year tenure as director general, European Aluminium adopted a long-term sustainability vision based on aluminium’s role in the transition to a low carbon and circular economy. Notable achievements under his leadership include the launch of the industry’s Sustainability Roadmap Towards 2025, Vision 2050 and Circular Aluminium Action Plan, and the establishment of our Innovation Hub.”

Turning to Mr Voss, she continued: “Paul’s strong track record in industry representation and expertise in renewable energy will help European Aluminium strengthen its role in addressing today’s sustainability and industrial challenges.”

Voss joins European Aluminium from Euroheat & Power, the association for the European district energy sector, where he acted as managing director for the past eight years. He is a long-term public affairs and governmental relations expert with 20 years of experience in the Brussels and energy sector. He has studied in Canada, France and Belgium and holds a master’s degree in European Public Policy.

“I feel honoured to be appointed director general during what will be a vital period for both the European aluminium industry and the wider project of the European Green Deal. Reconciling the twin imperatives of environmental sustainability and the maintenance of a strong industrial base will be one of Europe’s most important tasks during the coming years and decades, and we fully embrace our responsibility to help make it happen.

“I look forward to working with policymakers, our members and partners to create a policy framework that enables our producers to transform their sustainability and innovation ambitions into reality while meeting the growing demand for our metal in a fair and competitive global market. My immediate priorities are ensuring the Fit For 55 Package works for aluminium, elevating our sustainability approach and strengthening trade defence against unfair practices,” said Voss.