Nickel Institute announces leadership changes

Fulfilling the succession plan announced in June 2017, Dr Hudson Bates has been appointed President, Nickel Institute, effective 1 June to succeed David Butler, whose mandate was completed on 31 May.


Hudson and David have been working together closely over the past year on this planned transition. David Butler will continue his association with the Nickel Institute as a non-executive senior advisor on a project basis.

"David's legacy is outstanding. He has transformed the Nickel Institute into a high calibre services provider to the nickel industry; attracted new Members and developed a focused and effective approach to nickel science, health & environment public policy, market development and communications,” said Nickel Institute Chairperson, Anton Berlin, Director of Marketing, MMC Norilsk Nickel. “David has made an exceptional contribution to the Nickel Institute and the whole industry over more than three decades and particularly during the past five years that he has provided leadership to the NI. We look forward to taking advantage of his professional expertise in the future.”

Hudson Bates brings unique and extensive knowledge of nickel and the nickel industry to his new role. For the last 20 years, he has applied his specialized knowledge to the study of the toxicology of nickel and its compounds. He also has highly successful managerial experience at NiPERA Inc., the science arm of the Nickel Institute. Dr Hudson Bates is a Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology (D.A.B.T.). He received his Ph.D. in toxicology from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, his M.S. in toxicology from the Albany Medical College of Union University, and his B.S. in biology from the State University of New York at Albany, USA.

Commenting on Hudson’s appointment, Anton Berlin said “The Members of the Nickel Institute are very much looking forward to working with Hudson in his role as President. Hudson will be focussed on promoting the Nickel Institute as a centre of excellence for knowledge about nickel. With his exemplary record of accomplishments, Hudson is ideally positioned to lead the Institute and the industry in promoting and supporting the use of nickel in appropriate applications, from a market development, health & environment public policy and science perspective".

Hudson moves into the role having led the Nickel Institute’s science activities as Executive Director, NiPERA Inc. As part of the Nickel Institute’s overall succession plan, Dr Adriana Oller, Deputy Executive Director NiPERA Inc. has been promoted to Executive Director. Dr Chris Schlekat has been appointed Deputy Executive Director.

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