Between 2003 and 2010, she worked in the Sales Department of Alumetal (now Hydro Aluminium Poland), initially as a sales representative and then as a sales specialist. In 2010, she took on the role of sales team manager within the Sales Department as sales manager. In 2016, she was appointed sales director. In 2017, she was appointed to the management board of Alumetal as commercial director. From April 2019, she served as chair of the management board in all Polish companies of the Alumetal group. At the beginning of 2026, she was promoted within the Hydro group to the position of Vice President Foundry Alloy Product Area, Hydro Aluminium Metal.
Agnieszka Drzyżdżyk is a graduate of the University of Economics in Krakow and holds an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from the Krakow Business School run by the University of Economics in Krakow.

Jan Kidaj (born 1957), technical education. Since 2002, President of the Management Board of Aliplast sp. z o.o. (international Corialis group), a leading designer and manufacturer of aluminum systems for construction on the European market. Since 2011, President of the Management Board of Aliplast Extrusion sp. z o.o. – a company producing aluminum profiles. Comprehensive solutions of the Aliplast brand are also present on the American and Canadian markets, as well as in Cambodia and South Africa. Both companies employ approx. 1000 employees. Shareholder of Tabal sp. z o.o. , MPC Metal and Alusky sp. z o.o.. Privately, a fan of fishing and aviation.

Piotr Wieliński is an experienced leader and visionary who heads Hydro Extrusion Poland, a renowned manufacturing company that significantly influences the aluminum profile manufacturing industry. his determination, commitment and strategic skills help the company achieve succes in a dynamic business environment.

Piotr Wieliński has a technical education, an Executive MBA and extensive professional experience in the manufacturing industry. his passion for process improvement, innovative approach and team management skills make the company constantly develop and achieve ambitious business goals. He places particular emphasis on building solid relationships with customers and business partners, which contributes to the company’s success on the market. His ability to make good decisions and manage the company towards sustainable development brings tangible benefits to both the company and the local community.

Involved not only in business aspects, Piotr actively supports social initiatives and cares for the sustainable development of the company, aware of the impact it has on the surrounding world.

He graduated with a Master’s degree in Metallurgy, specializing in plastic processing, from the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow. In 2022, he obtained a Ph.D. in engineering and technical sciences in the discipline of materials engineering.

Paweł Rutecki joined Gränges Konin S.A. (formerly Impexmetal S.A. and Huta Aluminium Konin) in 2003, immediately after graduating from AGH, as a technology specialist. Since then, he has held a number of positions, including research and development engineer, APQP manager and investment project manager. In 2015, he was appointed to the position of Development and Investment Director. Since December 2020, he has also been a member of the Management Board of Gränges Konin S.A. He is responsible for product innovation and technology development. He implements the Company’s development strategy and is responsible for the sustainable development and decarbonization project in the Gränges Group. Since 2005 he has also worked as an academic teacher at the Academy of Applied Sciences in Konin. He is responsible for lectures and practical laboratory classes in technical subjects at the Faculty of Economics and Technology.

Witold Strzelecki is an EU expert with over 15 years of experience in EU Affairs, Public Affairs and strategic communications, advising Polish and global companies, including those in the energy and transport sectors, and with experience in leading teams of consultants in lobbying projects at EU level. Before joining Business & Science Poland, Witold was a director at one of the leading international consulting firms based in Brussels, focusing on regulations related to the competitiveness of the European economy and energy regulations. Previously, he worked at NuclearEurope (formerly FORATOM), an association representing the European nuclear industry in discussions with EU institutions. Witold also worked for Poland’s largest energy company on the project to build the first nuclear power plant in Poland, as well as for major global PA/PR agencies (branches in Poland), such as Burson-Marsteller and Havas PR Warsaw, focusing on energy investments.

Business & Science Poland (BSP) is the largest organisation in Brussels representing Polish companies in discussions with EU institutions. BSP is a multi-sector business federation based in Brussels, representing approximately 180,000 jobs in the industrial, chemical, transport, agricultural and digital sectors. BSP connects leading Polish companies and the research and development community with the European Union agenda. The organisation remains faithful to the fundamental values of the EU, while actively and responsibly supporting its transformation process.

CRU is a company specialising in analysis, data and pricing for the global metals and fertilisers industry. Paul Williams is responsible for the aluminium team’s research programme, market analysis, products and services, and financial performance. He joined CRU in 1986 and has developed services across the value chain, specialising in flat-rolled product markets and demand analysis. He is a regular speaker at major aluminium events around the world and contributes to publications by aluminium associations, including the Aluminium Association. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Swansea University.

She completed her master’s degree in Euromarketing at the University of Economics in Krakow and her bachelor’s degree in Business Informatics and Finance and Data Processing.
She has been involved in the aluminium industry since 1996. For 10 years, she worked at the Hydro Aluminium press shop in Chrzanów, gaining experience in various positions and departments: administration, accounting, customer development and technical support. Ultimately, she was responsible for sales as a key account specialist and Executive Marketing Manager. She co-organised a pilot project for a series of training workshops called ‘Designers’ Forum’.
She continued her managerial career at Final as Sales Director. Since November 2008, she has been with Extral, where she also holds the position of Sales Director.
In her professional career, Marta Ludwikowska strives to build partnerships with customers, suppliers, competitors and institutions in the business environment. She is always open to new ideas, people and challenges. She has participated in numerous training courses, conferences and trade fairs. She was also responsible for implementing projects aimed at popularising knowledge about aluminium and aluminium products.

Dr Marcin Piątkowski, Professor of Economics at Kozminski University in Warsaw. Lead Economist in the Department of Finance, Competitiveness and Innovation (DFKI) at the World Bank in New Delhi, responsible for the South Asia region (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and the Maldives), and visiting lecturer at the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University. Previously a lead economist at the DFKI at the World Bank in, among others, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Poland and Ukraine; Chief Economist at PKO BP; an economist in the European Department and advisor to the Executive Director at the IMF in Washington; advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Republic of Poland; and a visiting scholar at Harvard University, the London Business School and the OECD Development Centre.

The author of dozens of academic publications, including the book “Europe’s Growth Champion. Insights from the Economic Rise of Poland”, published by Oxford University Press in 2018 and 2025 (Polish edition: “The Golden Age: How Poland Became Europe’s Growth Leader and What the Future Holds”, Prześwity, 2023), which received the Polish Academy of Sciences’ award for the best book on economics in 2019, won first place in Dziennik Gazeta Prawna’s “Economicus” competition for the best book promoting economic knowledge in 2020, and was reviewed by the “Financial Times” and leading economists worldwide. Winner of the “Economist of the Year 2023” award presented by the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP).

He has presented his research at dozens of universities around the world (Harvard University, Princeton, Yale, Stanford, Berkeley, LSE, Oxford, Cambridge and others), at major international organisations (the IMF, the World Bank, the EBRD, the European Commission, the AIIB, the OECD, etc.) and at key global conferences (the World Economic Forum in Davos and others). Author of the concept of Poland’s ‘golden age’, announced in 2009.

In his private life, he is a marathon runner, triathlete, travel enthusiast (having visited over 75 countries) and a lover of books on history and international politics.

He has many years of experience in the technical sector, gained through working with key clients and delivering advanced technological projects. He has been with EAGLE Sp. z o.o. for nearly ten years, where he is responsible for selecting and implementing state-of-the-art solutions in the field of metalworking.

He specialises in the integration of innovative technologies that support the efficiency of production processes and the development of the metal industry.

He is an expert in the automation of intralogistics processes at Remmert GmbH – a renowned German manufacturer specialising in comprehensive storage systems and the automation of long-length and sheet metal handling. For several years, he has been actively supporting the development of the Central and Eastern European market, advising clients from various industries – including the steel and aluminium sectors – on the implementation of modern warehousing and production technologies.

Thanks to his extensive technical knowledge and experience gained through numerous industrial projects, Michał Kmieć effectively bridges the gap between the needs of production facilities and the capabilities of the latest automation solutions. He specialises in optimising material flow in production and warehouse facilities and in integration with processing lines, focusing on maximising the potential of clients’ machinery.

Remmert GmbH, based in Löhne (Germany), has been providing modular and scalable intralogistics solutions for almost 80 years, helping companies to increase efficiency, reduce costs and make better use of space. The company is a valued partner to metal processing plants, service centres and machine manufacturers. Its offerings include automatic storage systems for long products and sheet metal, transport systems and intelligent software for material flow management – together, these solutions open up new opportunities for growth and innovation for manufacturing companies.

An expert with over 13 years’ experience in the automation of intralogistics and manufacturing processes. He supports manufacturing companies in building a competitive advantage through the implementation of modern, automated solutions – including in the window joinery sector. He specialises in selecting the optimal technologies, helping to create efficient factories and avoid costly investment mistakes.

Paul Warton is executive vice president in charge of Hydro Extrusions, the leading aluminium extrusion organization in the world with 21,000 employees in 40 countries. He is part of the Executive Lead Team of Hydro, a Norwegian aluminium and energy company that builds businesses and partnerships for a more sustainable future.

Prior to joining Hydro in 2021, Mr Warton spent 10 years as global business unit president for Constellium. All told, he has had leadership roles in the aluminium industry for nearly 30 years, many with focus on automotive applications.

Mr Warton has a Bachelor of Science degree in production engineering from the University of Birmingham, UK, and is a chartered engineer. He also has an MBA from London Business School, and he is a Honorary Fellow of Brunel University, London.

Mr. Warton is currently serving as the Chairman of European Aluminium.

A graduate of the Faculty of Biotechnology at the Lodz University of Technology. She has been involved in aluminium surface treatment processes for over 10 years. For 7 years, she worked at Hydro as a Senior Anodising Specialist, where she specialised in the surface treatment of aluminium components for the automotive industry.

She currently serves as Business Development Manager at MacDermid Enthone. She is responsible for the development of the Light Metal Solutions product line in Central Europe, focusing on the sustainable development of anodising processes and surface preparation prior to powder coating. In her work, she emphasises minimising the environmental impact of operations, reducing the carbon footprint, and providing technical support to customers, based on a thorough understanding of processes and the use of advanced analytical and research tools.

Dr. Can Akyıl is a globally recognized expert in the surface treatment of aluminum, with over 15 years of leadership and technical experience at Mac Dermid Enthone. Currently serving as the Global Business Director, he oversees the Light Metals Division, driving innovation and business growth in the surface treatment industry.

Dr. Akyıl’s career spans R&D, production, sales, and business development, with a proven track record of managing and expanding the aluminum business in Turkey and beyond. Prior to Mac Dermid Enthone, he led the Turkish R&D department at Welding Alloys, applying his expertise to advanced materials and electrochemical technologies.

Academically, Dr. Akyıl holds a PhD from Istanbul Technical University, where he specialized in the electrochemical behavior of tin alloys and the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys. This unique combination of technical expertise and strategic leadership has made him a key figure in the global light metals industry

Born in 1979, during the ‘winter of the century’. In 2003, he graduated from the Faculty of Law and Administration at the University of Gdańsk with a Master’s degree. He began his career at Invesa in 2005 as a non-ferrous metals procurement specialist. He then served as stainless steel bar purchasing manager (2007–2010), aluminium products manager (2010–2023), and has been head of the aluminium department since 2024.

During his time at Inveść, he has consistently developed his skills – he completed a Postgraduate Course in International Trade at the University of Gdańsk and has taken part in numerous training courses, including in product management, purchasing negotiations, quality management, communication, strategic management and planning, as well as project and team management.

Working for a leading distributor of metals – such as aluminium and stainless steel – and related services gives him great satisfaction. He has devoted the vast majority of his professional career to the noblest of metallurgical metals, which is undoubtedly aluminium. For over two decades, he has been carrying out tasks related to working in an international environment, building commercial relationships with suppliers and customers, supply chain management, and the development of Investa’s product range.

He favours a democratic management style. He believes that the key factor in building team engagement is a sense of success, purpose and real influence over the work being done.

In his private life, he is a happy husband and father of two teenagers, a keen cook, a lover of books and travelling with his loved ones, and the owner of two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Bartłomiej Wojdyło is Sustainability Director at CANPACK Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of aluminum beverage cans, with operations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

With over 15 years of experience at CANPACK, he is responsible for driving the company’s sustainability strategy, including decarbonization efforts and advancing circular economy across the value chain. He is actively involved in key industry and non-profit organizations – Supervisory Board Member of Every Can Counts and a Board Member of the RECAL Foundation. He also chairs the Beverage Group at Metal Packaging Europe and represents CANPACK in various trade associations in US, UAE and Brasil.

He is also engaged in promoting sports serving as VP of fencing club and Chairman of Sports Advisory Council in his hometown.

A leader with over 25 years’ experience in the aluminium industry, actively involved in the development of the aluminium profile market in Poland and Europe.

She has built her career at the intersection of manufacturing, sales and strategy, leading development projects and implementations in domestic and international markets. She specialises in identifying sources of growth in a challenging environment – from cost pressures and raw material challenges to changing regulations and global competition.

In her work, she focuses on building competitive advantage through operational efficiency, the development of new applications for aluminium, and strong customer relationships. She is also keenly interested in industry transformation, including potential market consolidation and the impact of European industrial policy.
She is a graduate of the Krakow University of Technology, the Łódź University of Technology and the International MBA programme (WSH in Wrocław). She has also completed the Holistic School of Trainers.

She began her career in the aluminium industry almost five years ago, taking on responsibility for the chemical process at Cortizo. During this time, she specialised in coating and anodising lines, which gave her a very practical insight into day-to-day operations at the plant.

She then joined Alsan, where she has been working as a Technical Advisor for nearly three years, supporting clients in optimising their processes.

Her background as a biotechnology engineer, complemented by a Master’s degree in Project Management, enables her to combine technical knowledge with optimisation and innovation – always with a view to a more efficient and sustainable aluminium industry.

In addition, she specialises in data analysis, which enables her to make data-driven decisions and optimise processes even more effectively.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Fredrik Spens completed a Master’s degree in engineering at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. He began his professional career as a consultant at BTS, where he worked from 2000 to 2006. He then held various management positions at Sandvik between 2006 and 2014, before taking on the role of Head of Product Area Primary Products at Sandvik Materials Technology from 2014 to 2017. In 2017, he joined Gränges Finspång AB as VP Sales and Marketing, holding this role until 2020, after which he served as Managing Director of the company from 2020 to 2022. Since 2022, he has led the operations of Gränges Europe as President, whilst also serving as a member of the group’s board of directors.

A graduate of the Faculty of Economics at the University of Zielona Góra, he has been involved in the window and door industry in Poland for over 25 years. He began his professional career in 1995, playing a key role in the development of Meesenburg’s organisational structure, including the launch of its branches on the Polish market.

Between 1997 and 1999, he gained international experience as a proxy for a Belgian company, where he was responsible for software supporting comprehensive management of sales, production and technological processes in the window and door industry.

In 2000, he was appointed to the Meesenburg Management Board and subsequently served as a Board Member for ten years, successfully developing the company and strengthening its market position.

In 2008, he founded his own company – R&D Tech sp. z o.o., which he has successfully managed and developed to this day.

In his private life, he is the father of two children. He prefers to spend his free time actively, pursuing his passions, which include windsurfing and fishing.

Maciej Martynowski is an experienced senior executive with many years’ experience in the manufacturing sector. Since April 2025, he has served as Chairman of the Management Board of Guala Closures DGS Poland S.A. in Włocławek – a world-class manufacturer of closures for glass packaging, part of the international Guala Closures group.

Before taking up the position of CEO, he was a Member of the Management Board of the company, which enabled him to gain in-depth knowledge of operational processes and the company’s strategic development directions. He specialises in managing large manufacturing organisations, overseeing advanced technological processes such as UV LED printing and metallisation, as well as implementing innovative solutions for the packaging sector.

As the head of the group’s Polish branch, he is responsible for maintaining the company’s position as the largest cap manufacturer in Poland and one of the global market leaders. He manages an organisation employing over 600 staff – in both production and administration.

Under his leadership, Guala Closures DGS Poland is consistently expanding its machinery fleet and implementing a strategy based on the highest quality standards, confirmed by ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification, as well as on the principles of sustainable development.

Rafał Komarewicz is a Member of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland for the 10th term, Chair of the Committee on Economy and Development, and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Energy, Climate and State Assets. He is an entrepreneur, doctor and local government official with many years of experience in public service and management.

Between 2012 and 2023, he served as a Councillor for the City of Kraków, actively participating in the development and functioning of the city council. From 2018, he was Deputy Chairman of the Kraków City Council, and in 2022 he took up the position of Chairman of the Kraków City Council.

In 2023, he was elected as a Member of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland for the 10th term. In his parliamentary work, he focuses on issues related to the economy, energy and the strategic development of the state.

He is a dentist by training and a graduate of the Jagiellonian University.

Kryspin Baran is a graduate of the Częstochowa University of Technology, where he completed two degree programmes: plastics processing, and marketing and management. For over 20 years, together with Dariusz Kister, he has been developing Aluron, which has become one of the leading suppliers of aluminium systems in Poland.

Since 2011, he has served as president of the Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie volleyball club, which in the 2023 season