Richard Evans Confirmed as Next Alcan President and CEO

MONTREAL, Canada, February 13 /PRNewswire/ -- L.Yves Fortier, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alcan Inc. (NYSE: AL, TSX: AL) is pleased to announce today that the Board has formally approved the appointment of Richard (Dick) Evans (58), Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, as Alcan's next President and Chief Executive Officer effective March 12. Mr. Evans succeeds Travis Engen (61), who is retiring. Mr. Evans remains a Director of the Board following his appointment in October 2005.

"With this formal approval, the Board has expressed its unanimous support for Dick Evans as Alcan's next President and CEO," said Mr. Fortier. "We are certain that his extensive industry experience, deep knowledge of Alcan's businesses and strategy, and leadership qualities will continue to strengthen the Company's position as a global leader in aluminum and packaging," he added.

"Over the past five months, I have worked closely with Travis and my colleagues in ensuring a smooth leadership transition. I would like to personally thank Travis for his dedication and fortitude in shaping today's Alcan and wish him all the best in his retirement," said Mr. Evans. "In the coming months, I intend to focus on outlining my strategy for the Company and continuing to build on the solid foundation that Alcan has developed over the past five years," concluded Mr. Evans.

Prior to his appointment as Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Evans has overseen all four of Alcan's Business Groups at differing times: Bauxite and Alumina, Primary Metal, Engineered Products and Global Packaging; as well as, participating in the overall strategic governance of the Company and the integration of Pechiney, acquired by Alcan in 2003. Prior to taking on this role, Mr. Evans was based in Zurich, Switzerland and was responsible for Fabrication Europe, as well as, the global integration of Alcan and algroup following their combination in October 2000.

Mr. Evans has an extensive background in general and executive management with the aluminum industry. He joined Alcan Aluminium Limited in Montreal, in January 1997, as Senior Advisor, Corporate Development, following 27 years of US-based and international postings with the Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation. In July 1997, he was appointed Executive Vice President, Fabricated Products, North America and President of Alcan Aluminum Corporation; and, in March 1999, he was appointed President of Global Fabrication before relocating to Europe in October 2000.

Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in aluminum and packaging. With world-class operations in primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum as well as flexible and specialty packaging, aerospace applications, bauxite mining and alumina processing, today's Alcan is well positioned to meet and exceed its customers' needs for innovative solutions and service. Alcan employs almost 70,000 people and has operating facilities in 55 countries and regions.