Akhilesh Joshi, the CEO of India’s largest and world’s leading zinc producing company, Hindustan Zinc, has been appointed as Vice Chairman of the International Zinc Association (IZA).

A decision in this regard was taken by the Board of International Zinc Association (IZA) in their Annual General Meeting held on 23rd October 2014. Akhilesh Joshi is the first Indian CEO to be appointed as Vice Chairman of International Zinc Association (IZA).

Known for his expertise in mining sector, putting in 38 years in zinc-lead-silver mining industry, Akhilesh Joshi has been one of the most influential strategists in mining sector who has also been awarded National Mineral Award in 2006 by the Government of India for systematic exploration, increase in production and meeting the highest standards of mine safety.

He has also been recognized by Business Today Best CEO Award (Core Sector) in 2013. Since joining the service in September 1976 Akhilesh Joshi has been consistently working in Hindustan Zinc.

On 1st October 2008 Mr. Joshi took over as Chief Operating Officer and Whole-time Director of Hindustan Zinc and in January 2012 he was elevated to Chief Executive Officer of the company, setting an example within the company where a young engineer has become the CEO of the very same company.

“We all have Zinc in our lives” says Akhilesh Joshi, who is currently busy in driving exploration and expansion of mining activities in Hindustan Zinc, particularly the development of under-ground mining at Rampura Agucha.

International Zinc Association(IZA), a non – profit organization established in 1990 in Brussels, has been very actively pursuing globally the image of Zinc, from an industrial product to an essential element.

The International Zinc Association (IZA) has also been instrumental in running a “Zinc Saves Kids” program in association with UNICEF.

International Zinc Association (IZA) has a strong regional presence in USA, Europe, Latin America, Asia including China, South Africa and Australia, through 11 offices and more than 250 member companies, including big global mining companies like MMG, Teck Cominco, Boliden etc. and Zinc smelting companies like Korea Zinc, Votorantim to name a few.

International Zinc Association(IZA) has also been working very closely in India with National Highways Authority of India, Airport Authority of India, Indian Railways, Central Public Works Department, Central Road Research Institute etc. to highlight the importance and necessity of Galvanizing.

Recently, in close association with Hindustan Zinc, International Zinc Association (IZA) organized the first International Galvanizing Conference in New Delhi. Later a Zinc College was also organized in Udaipur under the auspices of Akhilesh Joshi, which saw participation of 75 experts representing 32 countries.

At present International Zinc Association has Chairman as Andrew Michelmore, the CEO of MMG limited and Executive Director as Stephen Wilkinson, who is an ex Teck Cominco executive.