ALCOA making changes at the top of Tennessee Operations

By Rick Laney
of The Daily Times Staff

Changes are coming to the top leadership of ALCOA Tennessee Operations. Malcolm Murphy, location manager of Tennessee Operations’ Rigid Packaging Division since 2005, is going to ALCOA’s Davenport Works in Iowa and will be replaced by Christopher Jackson, a former vice president and plant manager for Coors Brewing Co.

The leadership changes are expected to take place in early April. Murphy has been appointed vice president and general manager of ALCOA’s Davenport Works facility.

ALCOA confirmed the changes for The Daily Times this morning.

Murphy joined ALCOA Tennessee Operations after serving as plant manager at ALCOA’s Australia Rolled Products located in Yennora, New South Wales. Murphy has been with ALCOA for 19 years. Murphy, who worked with more than 45 different nationalities while at the Yennora plant, officially assumed the manager’s role at Tennessee Operations in early July 2005.

In a written statement, ALCOA said Murphy is credited with improving Tennessee’s manufacturing performance, financial results, and has lead significant employee engagement improvements throughout every level of the organization to make Tennessee’s operations more competitive globally and ensure its future viability.

“Leading Davenport Works is a tremendous opportunity for Malcolm,” said Ann Whitty, ALCOA’s vice president and general manager for Rigid Packaging.

“Tennessee Operations has grown great leaders in the past, and it continues to provide our global businesses with people who can lead us to higher levels of success.”

Jackson, who officially begins his new role at ALCOA Tennessee Operations on April 7, has held senior manufacturing roles for more than 20 years, most recently with Chromalox, Inc. where he is general manager of Utah Operations. Chromalox manufactures customized precision heating and control systems.

Jackson has previously worked for RR Donnelley in Va., ADVO Inc. Windsor, Conn. and was vice president and plant manager for Coors Brewing Company’s operation in Memphis. Prior to starting his industrial career, he was a Captain in the United States Army.

“Chris clearly understands that employee and community engagement are critical pathways to success at Tennessee,” said Whitty.

“He is committed to continuing the great work Malcolm has started, while at the same time thinking about the business creatively so that more achievements can be realized as a competitive global business.”

Jackson, a Kentucky-native, was nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point where he played varsity football and was an undefeated boxer, according to an executive profile on the Internet. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and received his master’s degree in management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Jackson has served on numerous boards, including the University of Memphis, Herff College of Engineering Advisory Council and is a member of the National Black MBA Memphis Chapter.

ALCOA’s Tennessee Operations is the world’s largest producer of rolled aluminum can sheet for beverage cans. It has been in operation in Blount County since 1910 and currently employs 1,900 East Tennesseans. Tennessee Operations is one of 350 ALCOA Inc. operating locations in 44 countries.

Watch for more details as they become available at www.TheDailyTimes.com and in Thursday’s edition of The Daily Times.