Time:
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location:
MGM Grand Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Room 120
Sponsored by:
TMS Light Metals Division, TMS Aluminum Committee
Organizer:
Samuel Wagstaff, Oculatus Consulting
Featured Speakers
About the Presentation
This keynote will explore the remarkable transformation of Novelis Inc., from its origins as a bankrupt spin-off to becoming the world’s leading recycler of aluminum. The talk will highlight the critical organizational changes and restructuring efforts that underpinned the company’s resurgence. In addition to strategic acquisitions and technological innovation, Novelis underwent significant leadership and cultural shifts, focusing on operational efficiency and a customer-centric approach. Key milestones, such as the implementation of closed-loop recycling systems and the development of advanced aluminum alloys, will be discussed, along with the company’s bold commitment to sustainability. These efforts not only drove financial recovery but also positioned Novelis as a pioneer in the circular economy. The keynote will also cover the company’s broader impact on the aluminum sector, including its role in reducing global carbon emissions. Novelis' journey exemplifies how resilient leadership, organizational overhaul, and sustainability can together fuel long-term industry dominance and environmental responsibility.
About the Presenter
Phil Martens is a true global executive with an extremely broad and accomplished career. He is the current chairman of both Graphic Packaging International and International Automotive Components. He is the former president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Novelis, Inc., which is the world’s leading rolled aluminum company. In his capacity as CEO, Martens led a multi-year transformation of Novelis centered on the global integration of the company resulting in leadership positions in the automotive, packaging, and recycling sectors. This has led Novelis to be the worlds most profitable and sustainable metal rolling company.
Martens was named one of the worlds best CEOs in 2012 by the Best Practices Institute for his organizational leadership. In 2013 he was named CEO of the Year for his leadership amongst the global metal and mining companies. In 2014 he was named an Automotive All-Star recognizing his contributions to making large-scale usage of aluminum in the automotive sector a reality. Novelis was also named the global metals and mining company of the year in both 2013 and 2014. Prior to being the President and CEO of Novelis, Martens was the President and CEO, designate of Arvin Innovation, a planned multi billion dollar spin out of ArvinMeritor. Arvin Innovation was a global multi-billion dollar Tier 1 automotive supplier with operations in over 11 countries focused on supplying body and chassis systems. Earlier in his career, Martens spent almost 20 years with Ford Motor Company, most recently serving as group vice president for global product development.
In addition to his chairmanship roles, Martens is also an advisory partner for Venetia Partners, a leading business solutions provider. He has previously served as a member of the Board of Directors for Trinseo Corporation, Plexus Corporation, and Make-A-Wish. Martens has a BSME from Virginia Tech and an MBA from the University of Michigan. He also has been awarded an honorary Doctorate in Engineering from Lawrence Tech which recognized his extensive contributions to the global automotive industry.
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Sarhan
Abdulaziz Sarhan
Emirates Global Aluminium
Presentation Title: "Integration of Aluminum Recycling Facility into EGA’s Current Aluminum Portfolio"
About the Presentation
In line with the UAE’s 2050 net zero greenhouse gas emissions strategic initiative, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) is committed to decarbonizing aluminum production. Aluminum recycling is essential for unlocking the metal's potential to support decarbonization while increasing production. More decarbonized aluminum consumption will contribute to global living standards improvements. In November 2023, the construction of a 170 thousand tonnes per year recycling facility next to EGA’s existing smelter in Al Taweelah was started. The facility will process post-consumer aluminum scrap as well as pre-consumer aluminum scrap from extrusion production, into low-carbon, high quality aluminum product. This represents a significant growth opportunity for the industry and EGA. EGA pioneered the commercial production of aluminum using solar power, branded as CelestiAL, in 2021. The construction of a major aluminum recycling plant will provide low-carbon product options for local and global customers.
About the Presenter
Abdulaziz Sarhan is a seasoned professional with 15 years of experience in the Technology Development and Transfer Department at Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA). He holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering (BSME), earned in December 2009, and a master of business administration in general management, completed in May 2014. As senior manager of technology transfer, Abdulaziz plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and ensuring the effective application of EGA's cutting-edge technologies. His extensive expertise and commitment have been instrumental in advancing EGA's position as a global leader in aluminum production.

Schmidt
Christian Schmidt
Hydro
Presentation Title: "Innovating Toward Net-Zero Emissions and Circular Aluminum"
About the Presentation
In a hard-to-abate industry like aluminum, we are determined to achieve zero emissions. Aluminium is a key enabler in the green transition, but production must become emission-free across the entire value chain. As global demand for more environmentally responsible manufacturing grows, Hydro has committed to a 30 percent reduction in our carbon emissions by 2030, with a goal of achieving net zero in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2050. Hydro’s roadmap aims to create multiple pathways that can work together to help us reach near zero products today and zero products in the future. This talk will explore one of the key paths towards building a more sustainable, recycling-based product offering. The session will highlight the company’s innovative approach to sourcing and processing recycled materials, the technological advancements driving this shift, and the environmental and economic benefits of increased circularity in the aluminum industry. Attendees will gain insight into the challenges and opportunities Hydro faces in scaling up recycled content while maintaining product quality and performance. This transition reflects the broader industry’s movement towards sustainability and circular economy principles, offering valuable lessons for manufacturers seeking to align business practices with global sustainability goals.
About the Presenter
Christian Schmidt holds a doctor’s degree in materials science and engineering from FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and a bachelor in business administration from Fernuniversität Hagen. He started his career in the aluminum industry in 2013 in Hydro’s R&D center in Bonn, Germany, and subsequently held several positions in the fields of R&D, technology, and project management within Real Alloy Europe and Hydro’s rolling and recycling units. Schmidt currently works as vice president recycling technology & project management in Hydro and leads Hydro’s activities in R&D, growth projects, and operational support within recycling casthouses and sorting activities supported by a team of around 35 dedicated and highly qualified engineers located in Europe and the United States.
Additional speakers to be announced.