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The inaugural Aluminium Awards, part of the Women With Metal initiative, took place at The Aluminium Show in Düsseldorf, Germany, on 9th October 2024, celebrating sustainable leadership in the industry. Winners have been announced.

Role Model
The winner is: Negisti G. Gared, Founder and General Manager, N A Y S Aluminium Engineering PLC
The 2024 Role Model who has set a benchmark for excellence and innovation.

Young Leader
The winner is: Dr. Pia Reuß, Production Manager Automotive, Speira GmbH
The judges agreed that the future of aluminium is in good hands with the incredible accomplishments of all the nominees in this category. The winner has an impressive production and academic background.

Sustainable & Innovative Leader
The winner is: Ramona Tosone, Head of Center for Material Innovation at AMAG, AMAG Austria Metall AG
The Judges were particularly impressed with her leadership skills and how she integrated her academic accomplishments into her role resulting in innovative and sustainable new applications.

Unsung Shero
The Winner is: Gerd Aalborg, VP - Head of Logistics, Norsk Hydro
The Judges were delighted to see her people's perspective shine through.

Male Ally
The winner is: Carlos André Valim, Europe Sales Manager – Aluminium Slabs / Value Added Products, Alcoa
Carlos is proactive, consistent and dedicated in championing women’s involvement in aluminium.

Kirsty Davies-Chinnock is the CEO and Founder of Women With Metal, as well as the Managing Director of Professional Polishing Services. With 35 years of experience in the metal sector, Kirsty is recognized as an expert in the surface finishing of aluminium, stainless steel, and other non-ferrous metals. Her work spans critical sectors such as Nuclear, Pharmaceutical, and Architectural, making her a key figure in the industry.
In addition to her extensive background, Kirsty serves as a Non-Executive Director (NED) and has held roles including Director and past Chair of the British Stainless Steel Association and CIC ART Business Loans. In 2023, she launched the Women in Industry Podcast, which aims to highlight the contributions of women in traditionally male-dominated industries, promoting sustainable leadership at every stage of their careers.
Kirsty is also a regular media contributor for BBC, SKY News, and various print media, both industry-focused and broadsheet. Furthermore, she frequently speaks at manufacturing and engineering conferences throughout the UK and continues to advocate for recognition and awards related to aluminium and women's accomplishments in the metal sector.

Yasmin Ouiriemmi has been responsible for the project management of the ALUMINIUM World Trade Fair organised by RX Deutschland GmbH since 2022. After graduating in Business Administration, she gained initial experience in organising congresses at the Center for Wind Power Drives at RWTH Aachen University and with agencies for analogue, digital, and hybrid events. As Event Manager, Yasmin managed various events in the materials trade fair portfolio of RX since 2019. In 2020, she took over the co-design of the supporting programme and the coordination of partnerships for ALUMINIUM, contributing to initiatives like the Aluminium Awards, which recognize sustainable leadership and celebrate Women With Metal in the industry, leading to her promotion to Product Manager.

Nadine Bloxsome is currently the Membership and Sustainability Manager at the UK Aluminium Federation (ALFED), bringing over a decade of significant industry expertise, refined during her time as Editor and Content Director at Aluminium International Today.
In her role at ALFED, Nadine exemplifies sustainable leadership, driving the association's initiatives aimed at creating a more sustainable future for the aluminium industry. With a strong emphasis on the 2050 Roadmap, she leads efforts to enhance value for partners and members by advocating for sustainable technologies and fostering collaborative networks.
In addition to her strategic leadership at ALFED, Nadine is actively involved in journalism and industry events, playing a key role in the Aluminium Awards, where she celebrates outstanding achievements in the sector. She continues to contribute her expertise to Aluminium International Today, shaping discussions and sharing insights on pivotal industry developments. Her editorial responsibilities also include moderating and presenting at industry conferences, further establishing her reputation as a thought leader in the aluminium sector and a proud participant in initiatives like Women With Metal.

Duygu Saymen was appointed Secretary General of The Turkish Aluminium Industrialists Association, having previously served as Deputy Secretary General. As the leading representative of the Turkish Aluminium Industry, TALSAD is committed to sustainable leadership and works towards the sustainable growth and development of the aluminium industry in local and regional markets. The association focuses on the development and implementation of new and advanced technologies, promotes good practices in health, safety, and environment, and strives to foster strong local and international partnerships. Additionally, TALSAD supports initiatives like the Aluminium Awards and champions programs such as Women With Metal to empower women in the industry.

Marius Baader is the Managing Director of Aluminium Deutschland. As a representative of the aluminum industry, AD strives to engage in an open dialogue with the public to increase transparency and understanding of aluminum and its members' products among customers and consumers. This commitment aligns with sustainable leadership principles, fostering a responsible approach to industry practices. To this end, there is a constant exchange of experiences and ideas within the association; it is the prerequisite for effective representation of the interests of all member companies, including initiatives like the Aluminium Awards and support for initiatives such as Women With Metal.

Fiona is the Chief Executive Officer of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), an organization she joined in March 2015 to spearhead the development and implementation of sustainability-focused initiatives in the aluminium industry. In 2023, ASI boasts over 320 members and has awarded more than 300 Certifications for performance and chain of custody within the aluminium value chain, highlighting its commitment to sustainable leadership.
With a career spanning more than 25 years, Fiona has excelled in creating innovative initiatives in mineral supply chains. From 2007 to 2015, she served as the Director of Standards Development at the Responsible Jewellery Council, where she developed a certification program for gold, diamonds, and platinum group metals. This program has been embraced by over 1000 companies throughout the supply chain, from mine to retail, showcasing the impact of women in leadership roles, such as those recognized by Women With Metal.

Paul Voss is the Director General at European Aluminium, the representative voice for the aluminium value chain in Europe. With two decades of experience in public affairs and governmental relations, Mr. Voss has extensive expertise, particularly within the Brussels and energy sectors. Before his pivotal role in the aluminium industry, he was the Managing Director at Euroheat & Power, the association dedicated to the European district energy sector, and also served as Head of Public and Industrial Affairs at the energy solutions provider Danfoss District Energy. Under his leadership, initiatives like the Aluminium Awards highlight the importance of sustainable leadership in the industry, as well as efforts to promote diversity, including programs like Women With Metal.
A British-Belgian national, Paul Voss is married with three children and holds degrees in Political Science and European Public Administration from esteemed universities in Canada, France, and Belgium.

Zahra Awan is the current assistant editor of Aluminium International Today, a role she has embraced since 2021. Prior to this position, she completed a degree in English and has since leveraged the openness of the metals industry to gain invaluable insights. With support from key industry players, researchers, universities, and hands-on experience from the shop floor, she has shifted her focus from classical texts to economic and industry data, finding satisfaction in understanding numbers and the innovative discoveries they represent. Zahra is particularly appreciative of the hard work the industry puts into its sustainable leadership efforts, including initiatives recognized at the Aluminium Awards. This commitment has heightened her own awareness of sustainability, influencing her daily life as she aligns with movements like Women With Metal to advocate for greater inclusivity and innovation in the industry.
With five categories to showcase and celebrate diversity and sustainability within the Aluminium Sector, the Aluminium Awards highlight remarkable achievements of women and their commitment to sustainable leadership.
Role Model - The ultimate archetype. She always leads by example, shines with professionalism and expertise, and contributes creative, innovative ideas while showing commitment and support for her colleagues. She stands up for what is important both at work and beyond. Her professional career boasts special honours, yet she remains down-to-earth, honest, and authentic. This woman exemplifies what women can achieve in the industry, inspiring the entire sector as a true role model!
Sustainable and Innovative Leader - The strong pioneer. Characterized by outstanding achievements and success, this woman has overcome every hurdle, shining through her creative and innovative impact. For her, sustainable leadership and innovation go hand in hand, especially in establishing aluminium as the material of the future, driving the transformation of the industry. Her commitment to sustainability is profound, and she actively embodies the role of a courageous metal master!
Unsung Shero - The hidden champion. A hero of everyday life and the industry, she is the woman with a solution ready for every challenge, always maintaining composure in crises. With a sympathetic ear, she provides help and advice, showing total commitment and motivating the entire team. She knows everything and everyone, always available when questions arise and consistently offering the right answers—she is the unsung hero of the aluminium industry, a true "alloy angel"!
Young Leader - The dynamic power woman. Young, dynamic, and full of energy, she is incredibly committed and serves as a particularly active force within the company. What she pursues, she does with passion and ambition, driving toward a vision and setting ambitious goals with her team. She loves developing unconventional ideas and creative approaches, exhibiting outstanding communication skills and an inspiring innovative spirit. Courageous and flexible, she embraces new paths and isn’t afraid to take risks—she is truly a woman of power!
Male Ally - The committed champion. Always a solid anchor, he supports his female colleagues when challenges arise. He is the ally who uplifts, drives, encourages, and celebrates women in the aluminium industry. Present when needed, he shows sensitivity and empathy, empowering his female colleagues to make progress and achieve their goals. He actively promotes change, equality, and recognition for women with metal in the industry—he’s a true ally!