Svein Richard Brandtzaeg (above right) has been named chief executive of aluminium firm Norsk Hydro, following the resignation of Eivind Reiten, effective March 30, 2009. Reiten informed the board of directors that he wanted to step down after nearly eight years heading the company.

Brandtzaeg is an executive vice-president at Hydro, with responsibility for the company's aluminium products business area along with its aluminium semi-fabrication activities.

"Brandtzaeg has uncommonly broad