Michel Gagnon, VP, Finance and Business Development of Aluminerie Alouette, named an "Ace of Finance"

MONTREAL, May 10, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Michel Gagnon, Vice-President, Finance and Business Development of Aluminerie Alouette, was crowned Quebec's Ace of Finance of the year in the "Private Corporation" category of The Aces of Finance competition. Organized by the Quebec Chapter of Financial Executive International Canada (FEI Canada), this annual event recognizes the professional accomplishments and community involvement of exceptional financial executives.

A seasoned financial executive with 24 years of experience, Gagnon has worked for Aluminerie Alouette for 20 years. Over the past nine years, he has served as Vice-President of Finance and Business Development and as Corporate Secretary. Throughout his distinguished service, he also actively contributed to the company's development and success.

"We're very proud to have Michel Gagnon on our team. He's a financial ace with great strategic vision and undeniable leadership qualities," said André Martel, President and CEO of Aluminerie Alouette.

Gagnon's sense of innovation enabled the company to significantly cut its greenhouse gas emissions and to improve traffic on highway 138 through the establishment of a barge service to transport aluminium on the St-Lawrence Seaway. He also distinguished himself through his commitment to creating jobs in the aluminium sector and was instrumental in signing an agreement with the Government of Québec to secure the additional 500 megawatt block needed to carry out the company's $2 billion expansion project.

"I am truly honoured to have received this "Aces of Finance" award. I want to thank my employer and my colleagues, whose support made this award possible. Aluminerie Alouette is committed to ongoing improvement and owes its lasting success to its ability to keep innovating, a vision that has allowed me to meet formidable challenges. The company has many other projects in the works and I am certain that together, we will once again make the most of these business opportunities," said Gagnon.

About Aluminerie Alouette
Founded in 1992, Aluminerie Alouette is an independent aluminum producer. With 1,000 employees and an annual production capacity of 600,000 tonnes, it is the leading employer of Sept-Îles and the largest aluminum smelter in North America. A world leader for energy efficiency, its cutting edge Sept-Îles plant largely exceeds government environmental standards.

Marie-Claude Guimond
Director of Communications
Aluminerie Alouette
[phone]
[email protected]