European CEO of the Year Awards 2026

Aug22136 21. Best Sustainable Metal Manufacturing CEO 2026: Guillaume de Goys Working towards a more sustainable world through its metal plates and ingots, Aluminium Dunkerque has the distinction of being the last major primarily aluminium plant to be established in France. Opening its doors in Loon-Plage, Northern France, in 1991, the company’s products cover a variety of alloys, offering high value-added applications across the automotive, transport, and packaging sectors especially. Guillaume de Goys, the CEO of the leading European low carbon primary aluminium company, was on hand for more following his recognition in this programme. A leading low-carbon aluminium producer in Europe, Aluminium Dunkerque was founded 35 years ago atop the values of care, engagement, excellence, and innovation. The company has always embraced innovation and championed the sustainable industry, with these commitments remaining deeply rooted in its culture and practices. This can be seen through it having cut its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 17% since 2013, and it today emits four times less greenhouse gases than the global industry average, an astonishing feat. With these figures to boot, the company today aims to play a major role in European lowcarbon aluminium production for the benefit of its customers and their communities. For instance, it is speeding up its energy and environmental transition through an ambitious decarbonisation project called LowCAl (Low Carbon Aluminium), which came about as a result of the statistic that Europe today imports more than half of its aluminium from abroad, often from countries where production methods are much less sustainable. There are a lot reasons for this, and the last few years have not been kind to the European aluminium industry, which has faced significant disruptions as a result of international conflicts and the supply chain issues that came about as a result, in addition to the current deglobalisation trend and the emergence of new trade barriers. Operating in a volatile environment such as this means that Aluminium Dunkerque’s success hinges on its ability to navigate uncertainty, seize opportunities, and maintain a clear, consistent direction. Guillaume de Goys, the company’s president and CEO, is the man responsible for ensuring all of this is upheld across Aluminium Dunkerque, and he has spent the last five years transforming it into the European leader of low-carbon aluminium production. However, his tenure with the company actually dates further, with Guillaume first joining as its operations director back in 2014. In between that role and his current position at the helm, Guillaume also served as general manager. All of these roles proved pivotal in his development. Even before he joined Aluminium Dunkerque, Guillaume was no stranger to the aluminium industry, where he has worked since 2002. The combination of deep sector experience and leadership capabilities have resulted in a very direct and hands-on approach being taken by this award-winning CEO, who stays close to his colleagues, encourages open discussions where new ideas can emerge, and is open and honest with his opinions. “I strongly believe that cooperation and partnerships are essential to success. The best and most sustainable results are achieved by working together, combining different perspectives and expertise around a common ambition.” Outside of handling day-to-day business affairs, Guillaume remains equally involved in handling the customer side of Aluminium Dunkerque, especially when it comes to building relationships. He explained: “The most important thing when approaching a new customer is to truly understand how the partnership can create value for both organisations.” These partnerships, and the value they bring, remain a priority for the company looking ahead, even as it enters the next chapter in its journey: a change of ownership. Aluminium Dunkerque is preparing to be taken over by a major new industrial player, which will open up many exciting opportunities for growth, innovation, new partnerships, and collaboration. Even still, its priority continues to be to make the most of the chances that lie ahead, without sacrificing on the strengths, expertise, and identity that have long defined the company. Again, this is something that gladly lies with Guillaume: “First and foremost, I want to continue leading Aluminium Dunkerque through this exciting new chapter and make the most of the opportunities ahead. Beyond that, I want to continue contributing to the development and success of the European mining and metals industry through my involvement on various boards, including European Aluminium, Aluminium France, and Boliden.” This highlights the dedication he has not only to the company, but also to the industry as a whole, something that really sets Guillaume apart. Recognised as the Best Sustainable Metal Manufacturing CEO 2026 in our European CEO of the Year Awards, more on the work Guillaume de Goys is doing can be found above. Contact: Guillaume de Goys Company: Aluminium Dunkerque Web Address: https://www.aluminiumdunkerque.fr/

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