Kibar Americas Appoints Derek Keddy as President to Drive Future Growth Initiatives

Kibar Americas' New Leadership: Derek Keddy Takes the Helm

On July 7, 2026, Kibar Americas Group, a top supplier of flat-rolled aluminum products in North America and a subsidiary of Turkey's Assan Alüminyum, made a significant announcement: the appointment of Derek Keddy as the new President of its North America Rolling Business Unit. This strategic decision marks a pivotal moment for the company as it seeks to bolster its growth trajectory in the competitive aluminum market.

Having amassed over 25 years of leadership experience across the aluminum, manufacturing, and energy industries, Keddy brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to his new role. His experience includes spearheading financial strategy and operational excellence for various reputable global organizations. Before joining Kibar Americas, Keddy held key executive positions at Novelis, where he was instrumental in driving profitability, operational performance, and overseeing significant investment projects throughout North America.

Göksal Güngör, Chair of Kibar Americas Group, expressed confidence in Keddy's leadership capabilities, stating, "Derek's appointment reflects our long-term commitment to North America and to building a stronger aluminum platform in the region. We believe he will successfully navigate this next phase of growth."

This leadership change comes at a critical time for Kibar Americas, especially following its recent acquisition of an aluminum foil production facility in Fairmont, West Virginia. The facility is poised to begin operations and aims to ramp up production significantly in the latter half of the year, catering to the growing customer demand. Keddy's role will be crucial in ensuring the successful launch and operational ramp-up of the Fairmont facility, aligning with Kibar Americas’ overarching growth objectives.

Atilla Cetinel, COO of Kibar Americas Group, noted, "We are excited to welcome Derek at such an important juncture in our growth journey. His extensive industry knowledge and strategic insight will greatly aid our expansion efforts in North America, particularly as we embark on a new chapter with our Fairmont facility."

Derek Keddy is not just an experienced executive; he is known for his collaborative leadership approach, emphasizing teamwork and operational excellence. With this appointment, Kibar Americas is making a strong statement about its future direction and commitment to fostering a robust manufacturing footprint in the North American aluminum sector.

Keddy holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University College Dublin, Ireland, as well as an Executive MBA from Emory University's Goizueta Business School. As he steps into this new role, the industry is watching closely, eager to see how his leadership will shape Kibar Americas' trajectory and contribute to its ambitions in the aluminum market.

In conclusion, Kibar Americas is positioning itself for significant expansion and innovation under Derek Keddy's leadership. This transition not only highlights the company’s strategic growth plans but also underscores its dedication to enhancing its operational capabilities to meet the increasing demands of the market. The upcoming months will be crucial as Kibar Americas prepares to achieve new milestones and strengthen its presence in North America.