Novelis Appoints Emilio Braghi as New Chief Operating Officer

Emilio Braghi Takes the Helm as Chief Operating Officer at Novelis

In a significant leadership change, Novelis Inc., a top-tier provider of sustainable aluminum solutions and a global leader in aluminum rolling and recycling, has named Emilio Braghi as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). The decision, announced on January 19, 2026, is positioned to enhance operational performance across the organization.

Braghi's journey with Novelis began in 1999, and over the years, he has held several key positions across various geographical markets. He will commence his role as COO immediately, continuing to report directly to Steve Fisher, the President and CEO of Novelis. Fisher expressed confidence in Braghi's capabilities, saying, "Emilio's deep operational expertise and global leadership experience make him uniquely qualified to drive performance improvements across our business."

As COO, one of Braghi's primary objectives will be to elevate the company's standards of safety, quality, and reliability, ensuring that Novelis remains a frontrunner in the aluminum industry. His extensive background in operational roles in Europe, North America, and Asia positions him well to implement strategic initiatives aimed at achieving world-class operational excellence. Braghi is anticipated to work closely with Fisher to ensure Novelis meets its operational goals.

Braghi, while stepping into this new role, will retain his position as President of Novelis Europe. Based in Küsnacht, Switzerland, he articulated his commitment to continuing the company's legacy: "I am honored to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer and continue working alongside our talented global team. Together, we can build on Novelis' strong foundation to deliver world-class operational performance, advance our safety and quality standards, and create even greater value for our customers and stakeholders."

With over 25 years of experience embedded within the company, Braghi has transitioned through various leadership roles which illustrates his comprehensive understanding of both the operational and commercial dimensions of the business. He began his career at Novelis as a sales manager for Europe and soon transitioned into more managerial roles, leading operations in Italy. In a progressive journey, he joined the Asia leadership team as vice president of operations and later took charge of commercial activities. His move into the North American sector as vice president of operations showcases his adaptability and operational prowess.

This leadership change comes as Novelis continues to pursue its mission of becoming the leading provider of low-carbon, sustainable aluminum solutions, contributing to a circular economy by collaborating with suppliers and customers across multiple industries, including aerospace, automotive, beverage can, and specialty sectors. In the fiscal year 2025, Novelis reported net sales of $17.1 billion, reflecting the company's robust presence in the global market.

As Braghi steps into his new role, industry stakeholders will be observing closely how his leadership will influence Novelis's strategic direction and operational framework. This commitment to excellence is crucial as the company aims to enhance its market position amid evolving industry challenges and sustainable practices.

In conclusion, Emilio Braghi's appointment as COO of Novelis signifies a pivotal moment for the company. With his extensive experience and commitment to operational excellence, he is well-positioned to lead Novelis into its next chapter while maintaining its dedication to sustainability and quality in the aluminum sector.