NZAS appoints new chief executive for Tiwai Point smelter

Wednesday, 11 April 2018

Stewart Hamilton (left), pictured here in 2013 when he was the outgoing acting general manager of NZAS at Tiwai Point. Pictured with him is NZAS general manager Gretta Stephens and NZAS chief operating officer Brian Cooper.

New Zealand Aluminium Smelters has announced the appointment of a new chief executive and general manager, just two days after the resignation of Gretta Stephens.

Stewart Hamilton will take over the role at Tiwai Point, returning to the plant after beginning his career there as a research engineer in 1996.

Hamilton has almost 20 years of experience in the aluminium industry, having attained the role of leading Pacific Aluminium's business improvement and technology area for Australia and New Zealand.

For the past three years, Hamilton has been in Tanzania with Acacia Mining, with his most recent role as the general manager of the Buzwagi Gold Mine.

Pacific Aluminium chief operating officer Brian Cooper said it was a 'great coup' for Hamilton to be returning to NZAS.

'His safety leadership, technical understanding and business acumen make him an ideal fit for the role.

'His operational experience at NZAS is second to none and I will be looking to him to lead NZAS through a continued period of stability and growth.'

NZAS community relations officer Andrea Carson said the decision was part of a 'comprehensive succession planning process'.

'While Stew left Pacific Aluminium in 2015 he has remained on the business’s succession plan as outstanding talent.

'Given his history at NZAS, Stew was a great fit for the role.'

Hamilton will begin in the role on July 2, following a two-week handover period with outgoing chief executive Gretta Stephens.