Metalnewsnet 26 Apr:

Klaus Kleinfeld has been named chairman and chief executive officer of Alcoa Inc., replacing Alain Belda, who previously announced plans to retire as chairman after more than 40 years with the company.

Kleinfeld, former president and chief executive officer of the Pittsburgh-based aluminum firm, assumed his new post at Friday's annual shareholder meeting.

"In his seven years serving Alcoa as a board member and later as COO and CEO, (Kleinfeld) has demonstrated the leadership, strategic vision and operational insight to guide the company into the future as chairman of Alcoa," Belda said in a statement.

Belda, who served as Alcoa's chief executive officer from 2001 until May 2008, announced in July that he would be stepping down in April.

Editor: KylinTse