Independent Advisory

Aluminium Industry
Strategy & Advisory

Providing independent strategic advice to investors, corporates, and consultants throughout the aluminium value chain. Advising on market dynamics, greenfield projects, M&A transactions, and procurement strategy globally with extensive knowledge of GCC smelters.


About

Xavier Birot

I am an independent advisor specializing in the aluminium industry with over 15 years of experience spanning corporate strategy, M&A, and business development across the value chain.

Prior to establishing my advisory practice, I served as Director of Corporate Development at Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world's largest premium aluminium producer. Earlier in my career, I held M&A and investment roles at Abu Dhabi Financial Group, deNovo Partners and Rothschild.

Based in the UAE, I advise a global client base on strategic matters at the intersection of aluminium markets, industrial assets, and capital allocation.

Experience

15+ years in aluminium, M&A, and corporate strategy

Transaction Track Record

~$1 billion in cross-border M&A, greenfield & brownfield projects

Most Recent Role

Director, Corporate Development — EGA

Education

MSc Finance, Concordia University
BBA, HEC Montréal

Languages

English, French, Spanish, Portuguese


Areas of Expertise

What I Advise On

Aluminium Market Analysis

Supply-demand dynamics, regional premium structures, price outlook, and trade flow analysis across primary and secondary aluminium markets.

M&A Due Diligence

Commercial due diligence support for investors evaluating aluminium assets from mining to downstream.

Smelter Economics & Benchmarking

Cost structure analysis, technology assessment, operational benchmarking, and competitive positioning of primary aluminium production assets.

Green Aluminium & Decarbonisation

Carbon footprint assessment, CBAM implications, renewable energy sourcing strategies, and positioning for low-carbon aluminium markets.

GCC Metals Industry

Deep knowledge of the Gulf aluminium sector and producers EGA, Alba, Ma'aden, Sohar including capacity expansion plans, downstream development, and regional policy dynamics.

Corporate Strategy & Development

Strategic planning, market entry analysis, partnership structuring, and growth strategy for companies operating across the aluminium value chain.


Clients & Engagements

Who I Work With

I advise private equity firms, management consultancies, commodity trading houses, investment banks, and industrial corporates on strategic questions related to the aluminium value chain.

Engagements are typically project-based and range from focused expert consultations to multi-week advisory mandates, depending on the scope and complexity of the question at hand.

Get in Touch

If you have a question about the aluminium industry or would like to discuss how I might support your project, I would be glad to hear from you.