European Metals brings together the companies and associations shaping Europe’s non-ferrous metals ecosystem: from upstream mining and refining to downstream use and high-quality recycling.
We represent a sector that is essential to Europe’s future.
European Metals envisages a revitalised, future-ready Europe, reinforced by a secure, sustainable and resource-efficient metals value chain.
By championing circular, sustainable operations and enabling strategic autonomy and sovereignty, we put non-ferrous metals at the heart of Europe’s green and digital transformations.
We connect technical expertise with policy action, ensuring that the importance of the metals sector is recognised, valued, and that our sector’s future is secured.
We work to remove systemic barriers to recycling, encourage better product design, and promote investment in infrastructure.
Non-ferrous metals are the invisible infrastructure of Europe’s economy. They power renewable energy systems, digital networks, advanced defence technologies and more. We help ensure that Europe has the regulatory and industrial conditions needed to secure its own supply of these materials.
Our work is deeply technical and highly strategic. We translate the expertise of our members into credible, science-based advocacy that influences how policies are shaped, from raw materials access to product regulation, climate legislation to trade rules.
We support solutions that reduce dependency, waste, and emissions – while increasing value for the EU economy. That means championing a truly circular metals system and ensuring Europe’s metals sector remains resilient to global shocks.
European Metals serves as a hub for a diverse and evolving membership. Our strength lies in bringing together producers, recyclers, processors, and users of non-ferrous metals to speak with clarity and ambition.
In a rapidly changing global context, the role of materials has never been more strategic. Our work protects today’s operations and shapes tomorrow’s opportunities. European Metals is building the conditions for a cleaner, more competitive and more self-reliant Europe.
Evangelos Mytilineos is the Executive Chairman of METLEN Energy & Metals, a global industrial and energy company with operations on five continents and more than 9,000 employees. Until 2025 he served as Chairman & CEO, delivering a consolidated turnover of €5.7bn and EBITDA of €1.08bn in 2024, before transitioning to the role of Executive Chairman to oversee the Group’s strategic direction and international growth.
He founded MYTILINEOS Holdings in 1990, driving its expansion through the acquisitions of METKA and Aluminium of Greece—today the EU’s largest fully integrated alumina and aluminium producer.
He later strengthened the Group’s raw materials portfolio with the acquisition of Imerys Bauxites, making METLEN the leading bauxite producer in Europe.
He listed the company on the Athens Stock Exchange in 1995 and entered the energy sector in the 2000s, establishing what has become one of Greece’s most integrated and competitive energy groups. Under his leadership, METLEN has advanced major investments in Green Metallurgy and Sustainable Energy, including a global renewables portfolio of more than 10 GW. He also led the Group’s international expansion, culminating in its listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2025 and subsequent inclusion in the FTSE 100.
A strong advocate of corporate governance and sustainability, in 2021 he set targets to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050. He was re-elected in 2024 as President of European Metals, representing Europe’s non-ferrous metals industry, and has served five terms as Vice President of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV). He holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Athens, an MSc from the London School of Economics, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Piraeus.
Guillaume de Goÿs is Chief Executive Officer of Aluminium Dunkerque, the largest primary aluminium smelter in the European Union, and a Board member of Aluminium Duffel, a leading aluminium rolling mill based in Belgium. He has built an international career across France, Africa, Asia, and the United States, holding senior executive and project leadership roles within global aluminium, graphite, and tyre companies.
He also serves as President of the French Association of Aluminium Producers and sits on the boards of European Aluminium and European Metals. In these roles, he actively represents the industry’s interests and is a strong advocate for decarbonisation, sustainability, and the development of a circular economy.
Daniel Peltonen, President Boliden Smelters, with a Master of Science (MSc) in Chemical Engineering with Industrial Economy from Åbo Academy University, Finland. Daniel has broad experience from the process industry. Before joining Boliden AB, Daniel made a long career with many years of experience from other industrial companies i.e. as Business Area Director, as site Manager for Business Units and several roles as Production Manager both in Sweden and internationally.
Daniel highly values the people side of change, to have common values that empower the organization and provide a common structure that simplify everyday work. This is essential when striving to achieve excellence and the company vision: To be the most climate friendly and respected metal provider in the world.
Dr. ir. Wouter Ghyoot is Vice-President Government Affairs at Umicore with a global responsibility. He holds a Masters degree in Environmental Engineering from the Catholic University of Leuven and a PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of Gent. He worked as a researcher at SINTEF in Norway and was seconded to the Nickel Institute (London) for two years. He held various positions within Umicore since 2000, including in Research and Innovation, Sales and Corporate EHS, the latter with a global responsibility including sustainability and regulatory affairs. Since 2022 he leads the Government Affairs department at Umicore and is based in Brussels, Belgium.
Francesco Gattiglio is Vice President, External AffairsEurope at Albemarle, a leading provider of lithium, bromine and other essential elements. Since joining the company in 2022, he has spearheaded the company’s advocacy in Brussels on EU legislation related to sustainability, critical raw materials, chemicals and transport electrification. Francesco is focused on advancing Albemarle’s engagement with EU institutions, industry stakeholders, associations and NGOs for sustainable and secure supply chains. With over a decade of policy experience in Brussels, Francesco previously served as Director, EU Affairs & Policy at EUROBAT, representing industrial and automotive battery manufacturers. Francesco holds master’s degrees in International Relations (University of Florence) and International Political Economy (University of Warwick).
Marcin Kacperski graduated from the Faculty of Non-Ferrous Metals at the AGH University in Kraków, earning a master degree in Non-Ferrous Metallurgy in 2003. He has been working for KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. Głogów Copper Smelter Division for over 22 years. He started his career as a foreman at production departments. In subsequent years he got promoted to managerial positions including the Technical Director office. His current role is a Production Director.He was involved in the modernisation and implementation of new process solutions at Głogów Copper Smelter, he also participated in the commissioning of a new copper plant in Zambia. For 12 years he has been a member of the Management Board of the Association of Non-Ferrous Metals Engineers and Technicians at Głogów Copper Smelter, aiming at active support of the development of the non-ferrous metals industry.
Paul Voss is Director General at European Aluminium, the industry voice of the aluminium value chain in Europe. Mr. Voss is a long-term public affairs and governmental relations expert with 20 years of experience in the Brussels and energy sector. Prior to joining the aluminium industry, Mr. Voss served as Managing Director at Euroheat & Power, the association for the European district energy sector, and as Head of Public and Industrial Affairs at energy solutions provider Danfoss District Energy.
A British-Belgian national, Paul Voss is married with three children and holds degrees in Political Science and European Public Administration from Universities in Canada, France and Belgium.
Anna-Maria Karjalainen is Deputy Director General and Head of EU Regulatory Affairs at the International Copper Association Europe, where she serves as the association’s primary interface with the European institutions, representing the copper sector in high-level EU policy discussions. She leads and coordinates ICA Europe’s science and regulatory affairs work, drawing on a team of experts across energy and climate, environment and chemicals, and circularity and waste to support evidence-based engagement on issues of strategic importance for the copper value chain. She has more than 15 years of experience in EU policymaking and advocacy, including nearly a decade in public affairs consultancy, and previously worked at the European Commission. She holds an MA from the College of Europe in Bruges and a BA from Royal Holloway, University of London.
Dr. Winbow is Director of European Affairs at the International Zinc Association based in Brussels from where he manages a team of experts coordinating the needs and communicating support for its Zinc Industry Members. He is also Chair of the International Cadmium Association.
With qualifications in Geology, Materials Science and Chemistry, Dr Winbow previously had a career in businesses across Europe, Americas and Asia. Following over 20 years for Johnson Matthey plc, Dr Winbow became Operations Director at a Zn/ZnO distributor and largest producer of Cd pigments in the world with responsibilities for Production, Occupational Health, Safety, Waste and Environment, as well as IED Permit and REACH compliance of an Upper Tier Seveso site.
Within European Metals he is Chair of the REACH Advocacy TF and a member of the Organising Committee of the EM Metals Academy.
Finally, he enjoys family time, is a keen runner and traveler, as well as an author of several patents and papers, has contributed articles to books and encyclopedias as well as regularly presenting at conferences.
Dr. Roman Stiftner is Managing Director of the Austrian Non-Ferrous Metals Federation and the Austrian Mining and Steel Association. He serves as Director General of EUMICON and as Vice President of Euromines, contributing to EU policy on mining and raw materials, with a focus on access to resources, sustainability, and the competitiveness of Europe’s metals and minerals industries. He is a member of the Executive Committee of European Aluminium and a Member of the Board of European Metals.
He is also President of the European Shippers’ Council (ESC) and the Austrian Logistics Association (BVL), and he contributes expertise in industrial value chains, trade, customs, and transport policy. He previously served in executive leadership roles ininternational industry, including as CEO, and was a Member of the Vienna Parliament.
He holds a doctorate from TU Wien, lectures at the University of Applied Sciences in Vienna, and regularly speaks at international industry and policy conferences.
Michael Niese has been working in the non-ferrous metals industry for more than 20 years. After completing a doctorate in economics, he began his professional career in 2003 at Norddeutsche Affinerie AG, now Aurubis AG, in Hamburg. Since 2006, Michael Niese has been active in the Berlin political arena at the WirtschaftsVereinigung Metalle e. V. (WVMetalle). From 2006 to 2015, he was a director for energy and climate policy. This was followed by positions as managing director and, from 2016 to 2019, as head of the European office. Since September 2024 Michael Niese is director general of WVMetalle. The association represents the interests of the German non-ferrous metals industry comprising of the production and processing (semis) of light metals, all other non-ferrous metals, foundries and hot dip galvanizing.
Born in Milan in 1960, graduated in Political Science at the University of Milan. He entered the metallurgical industry in 1989 as Secretary of the Italian Aluminum Refiners Association. In 1998, he became environmental manager for ASSOMET– the Italian Association of Non-Ferrous Metal Industries. As time went by he has worked his way up in the organization covering the position of deputy director and eventually director general.
For Assomet he held the following position: Secretary General of Centroal (aluminium group within Assomet); member of the Board of the consortium Gas Intensive; member of the Board of IGQ – Italian Quality Institute, certification body; member of the Board of Qualital – industrial certification institute for aluminium and other material; CONAI Consultant (National Packaging Consortium) for aluminium packaging recovery certification flux.
Roland Chavasse is the Secretary General of the International Lithium Association (ILiA), the global industry body representing the lithium value chain, which he co-founded with Anand Sheth in 2021. Roland has 25 years of experience with rare and critical elements, including over a decade of commercial roles sourcing and supplying tantalum, rhenium, cobalt, niobium and nickel-based superalloys.
Since 2016 he has specialized in metals association management, advocating for members’ interests globally, hosting conferences on four continents, managing responsible sourcing programs, and editing trade journals. He has previously lead the Tantalum-Niobium International Study Center (T.I.C.) and the Minor Metals Trade Association (MMTA). He has an MA (Oxon) in Geography and and MBA from the Open University. He is based in London, UK.
The experts driving Europe’s metal future.
Dr James Watson joined European Metals as Director General in December 2024, bringing over 25 years of experience in policy, advocacy, and public speaking.
Prior to this role, James served as Secretary General of Eurogas, where he led the European gas industry association for five years.
Before his tenure at Eurogas, James was Chief Executive Officer of SolarPower Europe, the European solar industry association, and worked as Director of Public Affairs at Weber Shandwick, specialising in energy and trade policy.
Bilall joined European Metals in January 2025 as Chief Financial Director, bringing over 10 years of experience in finance, strategy, and investment.
He specializes in aligning financial goals with business strategy, managing cross-functional teams, and advising senior leadership.
With a strong background in M&A, risk assessment, and international projects, he has worked across various industries, particularly energy, including oil, gas, renewables, and hydrogen.
Dr Violaine Verougstraete coordinates European Metals Chemicals Management activities, since 2012.
She studied medicine and industrial toxicology at the Catholic University of Louvain, and obtained her PhD in Public Health in 2005.
She worked as a researcher at the University’s Industrial Toxicology and Occupational Medicine Unit for 8 years before joining Eurometaux (now European Metals) in 2005, to manage all scientific activities and projects.
Adina joined European Metals in July 2022 and leads our Energy and Climate Change department.
A lawyer by education, Adina has 15+ experience in policies related to the energy market, climate change and environment, security of energy supply.
Previously, she worked in the European Commission and in the Romanian Ministry of Economy, at the aluminium company Alro and as advisor of the Romanian Prime Minister.
Dr Martina Bassan joined European Metals in November 2024, where she now heads the Communications Department.
Before joining European Metals, Martina was in charge of advocacy and communications for a prominent industry association in Brussels. She also completed a Blue Book traineeship with the European Commission, focusing on strategic communications.
Previously, she taught China’s foreign policy at the Paris School of International Affairs. Martina holds a Master’s in Chinese Studies, an Executive Master’s in European Public Affairs & Communications, and a Ph.D. in Political Science.
Originally from Italy, she speaks in Italian, French, English, and Chinese, with basic proficiency in German and Dutch.
Laura joined European Metals in September 2017 and heads the Sustainability Department.
She leads advocacy on EU policy areas including raw materials, the circular economy, product and waste regulation, sustainable finance, and responsible sourcing. With more than eight years at the association, she combines policy expertise with a strong communications background to advance sustainability and circularity initiatives.
Before joining European Metals, Laura worked at a communications agency organising events for the European institutions. She holds a BA in European Languages and Cultures and an MA in Business Communications. An Italian native, she is fluent in English and French, speaks Spanish, and is learning Dutch.
Carmine joined European Metals in September 2022 to work on international trade and due diligence.
As a Policy Manager in International Trade & Responsible Supply Chain, Carmine coordinates the work on trade-related matters and contributes to the development and implementation of policies on responsible sourcing and due diligence.
He holds an advanced master’s in European studies at Université Libre de Bruxelles. A native Italian speaker, he is fluent in English and French and proficient in Spanish.
As a senior policy advisor in the Chemicals department, Lara contributes to the development and implementation of policies and projects relating to the Water Framework Directive, the Drinking Water Directive and the EU Soil Strategy and its Soil Monitoring Law.
She joined European Metals as a policy officer in January 2021, having spent a year as a student employee.
She has a Master’s degree in Biology and Ecology, specialising in Environmental Sciences and carried out her Master’s thesis in Ecotoxicology.”
Sophia joined European Metals in June 2025 as manager in the Chemicals Management department.
She contributes to the department’s work on the Zero Pollution Ambition policies (including the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, REACH & CLP) and their links with sustainability. She previously worked in industrial research and development at a multinational circular materials company, leading a research team developing solid state battery technologies.
Her experience includes chemical safety management, interdisciplinary coordination, and navigating regulatory challenges. Sophia holds a BSc in Chemistry from UCLL Leuven and an MSc in Applied Analytical Chemistry from University College London.
Born in Belgium, she is a native Flemish speaker, fluent in English, and has a good understanding of French and German.
Lucia has over five years of experience in trade associations, specialising in EU energy policy with a focus on gas and electricity markets.
Her work has covered a broad range of topics, with a particular focus on decarbonisation policies across end uses, notably buildings and industry. She holds a master’s degree in European Affairs and has completed specialised courses in sustainable finance, energy utilities and electricity markets, and carbon markets.
She is fluent in English, Italian, and French.
Sara joined European Metals in January 2026 as Events Manager.
She is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering high-profile events that support the organisation’s visibility objectives and stakeholder engagement activities. Prior to joining European Metals, Sara worked as Events Advisor at Eurogas, where she gained extensive experience in managing conferences and industry meetings across the European energy sector.
Sara began her career in the events sector through a traineeship at a Diplomatic Delegation, where she supported the organisation of cultural and institutional events. Sara holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations.
Originally from Italy, she speaks Italian, English, French and Spanish.
Armand Camboulives joined European Metals in November 2024 as Energy & Climate Change Policy Officer, where he focuses on energy policies.
He previously worked as Policy Officer in the European Affairs Department of a major energy utility and in an association representing the gas distribution infrastructure operators. Armand holds a Master’s degree in European policies and Public Affairs from Sciences Po Strasbourg and is a graduate from the College of Europe.
He is fluent in French and English, and speaks Spanish and Romanian.
Andrea joined European Metals in November 2024 as a Chemical Management Policy Officer.
Prior to joining European Metals, he gained valuable experience working as Process Engineer and Researcher in the world of battery recycling and lithium recovery, where he worked on optimizing processes for sustainable resource management. Andrea holds a BSc and a MSc in Industrial Chemistry with a focus in Sustainability and Recycling technologies.
Italian native, he is fluent in English and he has a working proficiency in Spanish.
Linda joined European Metals in May 2025
In her role, she contributes to the development and implementation of communication strategies, supporting the organisation’s visibility and stakeholder engagement. She is actively involved in content creation, digital communications, and the coordination of high-level events, contributing to strengthening European Metals’ positioning within the European policy landscape.
Prior to joining European Metals, Linda gained experience in Brussels within the NGO sector, where she supported communication and event initiatives focused on sustainability and EU policy in fast-paced, international environments.
She is fluent in Italian, French, and English, and has a good working knowledge of German.
Diana joined European Metals in 2021 and supports European Metals Chemical management department and Business development.
She covered several professional roles such as office manager, financial and procurement officer, project manager working in different sectors like IT, legal and digital sector and skills for a variety of.
She is fluent in English and French.
Enrico Macciotta joined European Metals as a Sustainability Policy Officer.
He will support the sustainability team and assist members on EU waste legislation, assist the team in advocacy activities on circular economy files with EU institutions, support members’ work in the key sustainability working groups within European Metals.
Before joining European Metals, he worked for one year as a Public Affairs Consultant, with a focus on sustainability and trade policy, completed a Bluebook Traineeship at the European Commission in DG CLIMA, where he supported the Diplomatic Team responsible for the 2024 United Nation Conference on Climate Change (COP29).
Valentina joined European Metals in January 2025 as a Senior Finance and Administration Advisor.
She is responsible for European Metals’ daily management portfolios, ranging from HR duties to finance and budgetary performances. Valentina has a background in business administration and economics.
She previously worked as a Financial and Administrative Assistant at the Italian Consulate in Toronto.
Omar joined European Metals in January 2025 as a Senior Finance and Administration Advisor.
He is responsible for European Metals’ daily management portfolios, accounting, and financial analysis. He has a background in accounting and finance. Moroccan native, he’s fluent in English and Italian and also speaks French and Arabic.
Ailsa is one of the two Chemicals Management Assistants.
In this role, she assists the Chemicals Management Department’s Managers and Director. Amongst others, her work includes general administration, the department’s accounting and the edition of the monthly Chemicals Management News. She is also part of the Metals Academy Organising Committee and helps in planning and running this yearly event.
Ailsa joined European Metals in June 2011 after working for 12 years in a Business Centre in Brussels.
Diogo is a communications and policy specialist who joined European Metals in September 2025 as Communications & Events Intern.
He holds an MA in Political Science and a BA in Communication Science, and brings expertise in political analysis, media strategy and stakeholder engagement. Passionate about communications, public policy, diplomacy and European unity, Diogo combines creative storytelling with evidence-based policy work.
Previously, he gained experience working with other associations and at the European Parliament, supporting communications and stakeholder outreach.
He is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, French, English and with understanding of German.
Joseph has a legal background in English/ Scots law and European law specialising in EU environmental law and sustainability within the EU.
He has an interest in critical raw materials, circular economy and sustainability policy, with a thesis on critical raw material recovery within the WEEE and Battery extended producer responsibility legal frameworks in the EU.
He has working experience within an environmental NGO focusing on EU and national policy surrounding batteries and WEEE extended producer responsibility regulations and contributing towards public consultations on circular economy initiatives and critical raw materials.
Since 2012, Federica has been supporting the European Metals Chemicals Management team on all REACH-related activities impacting the non-ferrous metals sector.
She is also involved in developing appropriate scientific methodologies for the assessment of complex inorganic substances.
Federica has been working on the application of the EU REACH Regulation, since its very beginning, supporting registrants with their REACH duties, dossier preparation and alternative testing strategy. Federica holds a MSc in Environmental Engineering (Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy) and a European MSc in Risk Assessment and Risk Analysis (University of Milan, Italy).
Dr Simon Cook joined the Chemicals Management Department in March 2021, to provide support on recent EU flagship regulatory developments such as the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.
Simon is a Materials Scientist with a degree and PhD from the University of Cambridge, UK. His 27-year work experience includes 20 years in the mining industry and 2 years in the industry (metal) association space. During the last years, his focus has been on market access issues for metals, including product stewardship and regulatory affairs.
