Derek Keddy Tapped to Lead Kibar Americas Aluminum Expansion

Keddy brings over 25 years of experience in the aluminum, energy, and manufacturing sectors. Before joining the Chicago-based subsidiary of Türkiye’s Assan Alüminyum, he held executive roles at Novelis, where he managed large-scale capital investments, profitability initiatives, and complex business integrations. His background includes overseeing operations that generate billions in annual revenue, a skillset Kibar executives expect will be vital as they scale their manufacturing footprint.

"Derek's appointment reflects our long-term commitment to North America and to building a stronger aluminum platform in the region," said Göksal Güngör, Chair of Kibar Americas Group. The company is currently preparing to ramp up production at the Fairmont plant, with operations slated to begin in the second half of the year to address rising customer demand. Keddy, who holds an Executive MBA from Emory University, will focus on aligning the new facility with the firm's broader commercial objectives.