Dr Mark Cooksey , Managing Director and CEO
... people who succeed decide what to spend their time on , and then actually physically spend time on it
Plan and execute
Having occupied multiple interesting , dynamic positions in the industry for over two decades , Mark is well equipped with industry knowledge , case studies , and experience . “ I studied science and engineering at university and then got a graduate role within the industry that focused on research and development and process improvement ,” Mark narrates , revealing the story of how he came to be CEO of ABx .
“ I went on to work in the minerals division of the Australian Government ’ s Commonwealth
Scientific and Industrial Research Organization ( CSIRO ) for 15 years and during this time , I also completed my PhD on improving the efficiency of aluminum smelting . Shortly after , ABx approached me with an interesting proposition ; to develop a new process for producing aluminum fluoride .
“ It was a perfect fit really , as they wanted someone with experience in process development , both technically and commercially , and my experience in aluminum was a bonus . That led to leading half the business and then in 2021 , my role extended to incorporate all operations .”
He recalls : “ During my time with CSIRO , one of my senior managers asked me , ‘ what big project or concept are you doing for the nation ?’ and it has stuck with me ever since . In any job you can get stuck in day-to-day activities and requirements , but the
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