Shaping the Future: Zak Chehab's Leadership in Metals Innovation

[Image: Zak Chehab Headshot scaled]

Zak Chehab stands out as a visionary and influential leader in the dynamic world of metals and aluminum production. As the Strategy Director for Novelis North America, a premier producer of flat-rolled aluminum products and the world's largest recycler of aluminum, Zak plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's strategic priorities in the U.S. and Canada. His responsibilities span from sustainability initiatives to capital expenditures and new market growth, reflecting Novelis' commitment to being a leading supplier of low-carbon aluminum across various industries.

Zak's journey to Novelis in 2021 is a testament to his wealth of experience developing global company strategic plans. His diverse background includes roles as the General Manager of Hilti Lebanon, a strategy consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton, and a research engineer for Caterpillar. Additionally, Zak's entrepreneurial spirit shines through as the founder of Electra Industries and Global Earth Movers.

Serving as the inaugural Metals Leadership Council (MLC) Chair for the Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) and with a subsequent seat on MI2’s board, Zak holds a crucial position in guiding the collaborative efforts of MI2. The MLC helps bring together metals companies to highlight key challenges and potential opportunities that then guide the initiaitves happening within MI2’s Branding, Sustainability, Talent & Workforce, and Tech Innovation strategy groups among metals companies, strategic partners, and value provider companies.

MI2, as conceived by Zak and his colleagues, aims to foster collaboration among industry, government, and education. In an article written by Zak last year, he articulated MI2's mission to create an industry-led organization that brings together various stakeholders to tackle challenges and capitalize on opportunities collectively. The MLC, chaired by Zak, plays a central role in setting priorities and defining success metrics for MI2.

Under Zak’s guidance, the MLC has set up a robust structure and initiated actions to bring value to MI2 members. These collaborative efforts have built a solid foundation to deliver on promises and generate momentum. For instance, MI2’s first annual conference, "Factory of the Future," showcased the power of this engagement across stakeholders, emphasizing the collective commitment to MI2's shared vision of taking Kentucky's metal industry to the next level.

The MLC's strategic focus areas are essential to MI2 achieving its mission to make Kentucky the destination for metals innovation. As the inaugural chair, Zak takes pride in the hard work put into establishing a system that harnesses various stakeholders' collective expertise and resources. The strategy groups formed in response to the MLC's priorities bring together leaders and subject matter experts to define, refine, and review projects that address the industry's challenges.

One crucial aspect highlighted by Zak is the importance of diversity of thought. Recognizing the power of diverse perspectives, Zak emphasizes that successful and sustainable innovation emerges when individuals and teams with different experiences come together. MI2's ecosystem incorporates diverse stakeholders, preventing groupthink and stimulating innovation.

Zak Chehab's influence extends beyond the metals industry. MI2's partnerships with organizations like MIT and ONSIDE in Nova Scotia demonstrate a commitment to cross-industry collaboration, further enriching the diversity of thought within the transformational journey.

With a promising year ahead, Zak and MI2 are excited to build on the groundwork laid, welcoming new members who share their values and vision. Zak Chehab's leadership exemplifies a commitment to shaping a sustainable future where innovation and collaboration thrive.