The Aluminium Awards 2026

Kirsty Davies-Chinnock is the CEO and Founder of Women with Metal, as well as the Managing Director of Professional Polishing Services. With 37 years of experience in the metal sector, Kirsty is an expert in the surface finishing of aluminium, stainless steel, and other non-ferrous metals for industries including Nuclear, Pharmaceutical, and Architectural. In addition to her extensive background, she serves as a non-executive director and has held positions such as Director and past Chair of the British Stainless Steel Association.

After the success of the inaugural Women with Metal Conference and The Aluminium Awards 2024, Kirsty is excited to once again collaborate with RX Global for Aluminium 2026, encouraging participants to nominate for the Aluminium Awards.

Patrick Herman is a recognized expert in trade fair management and the Event Director of ALUMINIUM 2026. Before transitioning into event organizing, he held a key position at an American-German joint venture in the machinery manufacturing sector, where he oversaw decision-making for over 250 event participations worldwide, along with the sales and marketing strategy for these events. Before his recent takeover of ALUMINIUM, he successfully led the machinery manufacturing events ICE Europe and CCE International. Herman is committed to strengthening ALUMINIUM as a global platform for collaboration, innovation, and progress across business, science, and politics, exemplified by initiatives like the Nominate Aluminium Awards and the Women With Metal Conference.

Nadine Bloxsome is the Chief Executive Officer of the Aluminium Federation (ALFED), the leading voice of the UK aluminium industry. With over a decade of experience in the sector, she previously served as Editor and Content Director of Aluminium International Today, collaborating closely with producers, processors, recyclers, and policymakers across global markets. Nadine excels at translating complex industrial and policy issues into clear, compelling narratives. At ALFED, she drives strategic engagement in areas like trade, energy, sustainability, and skills, while representing more than 100 organisations across the aluminium value chain. Furthermore, she plays a crucial role in initiatives such as the Aluminium 2026 vision and encourages nominations for the Aluminium Awards. Additionally, Nadine is actively involved in the Women With Metal Conference, advocating for diversity in the industry.

Duygu Saymen was born in Istanbul, Türkiye in 1987. After completing her primary and secondary education, she began her business career by graduating from Kocaeli University with a degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. Throughout her professional journey, she gained valuable experience across various sectors. In 2019, she started her role as the Communication and Membership Relations Coordinator at TALSAD, the Turkish Aluminium Industrialists Association, and has served as Deputy Secretary General since 2021. As of the beginning of 2024, Duygu continues her significant involvement in the aluminium industry as Secretary General of TALSAD. She is also actively engaged in planning initiatives like the Women With Metal Conference and is preparing for the Aluminium 2026 event, alongside nominating candidates for the Aluminium Awards.

Dr Fiona Solomon has been the CEO of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative since 2015, actively working to build and grow ASI since its inception. With nearly three decades in sustainability research and initiatives, her experience is extensive. As an undergraduate student in mechanical engineering, she received a scholarship with Comalco Smelting in Australia, where she spent four summers working in aluminium smelters and mines. This journey through the aluminium value chain has enabled her to give back to the sector. Additionally, Dr. Solomon's contributions to the industry will be recognized at the upcoming Aluminium 2026 event, and she encourages nominations for the Nominate Aluminium Awards. She holds a PhD in the philosophy of technology and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Her participation in relevant conferences, such as the Women With Metal Conference, further highlights her commitment to promoting women in the metal industry.

Angelika El-Noshokaty is the Director General of Aluminium Deutschland, the leading association representing the German aluminium industry. In her current role, she plays a critical part in shaping the future of Aluminium 2026. Before joining Aluminium Deutschland, Angelika managed German government affairs at Novelis. With over ten years in strategy consultancy, where she served as a management team member, she assisted corporations with government and public affairs during special situations. She began her career in the offices of prominent members of the German Federal Parliament. Angelika is also involved in initiatives like the Women With Metal Conference and holds a master's degree in political science, highlighting her commitment to advancing the field.

Paul Voss is the Director General at European Aluminium, the authoritative industry voice for the aluminium value chain in Europe. With 20 years of experience in public affairs and governmental relations within the Brussels and energy sectors, Mr. Voss has established himself as a key expert. Before stepping into the aluminium industry, he served as Managing Director at Euroheat & Power, which advocates for the European district energy sector, and as Head of Public and Industrial Affairs at Danfoss District Energy, a provider of energy solutions. As the aluminium industry gears up for the Aluminium 2026 initiatives, Mr. Voss remains committed to advancing the sector. A British-Belgian national, Paul Voss is married with three children and holds degrees in Political Science and European Public Administration from prestigious universities in Canada, France, and Belgium. Additionally, he actively encourages nominations for the Nominate Aluminium Awards and supports initiatives like the Women With Metal Conference to promote diversity in the industry.

Jess Mills is a Deputy Editor at Aluminium International Today, the leading publication and online portfolio for the aluminium production and processing industries. As we look forward to Aluminium 2026, she also encourages nominations for the Aluminium Awards and emphasizes the importance of events like the Women With Metal Conference.