A LONG career highlighted by strong leadership has earned Bell Bay Aluminium general manager Ray Mostogl CEO Magazine’s prestigious Executive of the Year Award.

The award is hailed as one of Australia’s most sought-after executive gongs.

Following the award presentation at Sydney’s Hilton Hotel on Thursday, Mr Mostogl said he’d had to make some tough decisions during the past three years of his tenure at the George Town company.

‘‘I am proud of our operation and the people who work for our business,’’ he said.

‘‘Over the past three years we have had to make tough business decisions involving carefully measured and calculated risks that have ultimately led to Bell Bay Aluminium’s success today.

‘‘It is a great honour, not only for me, but for the smelter to be recognised in this way.’’

In a tough global market, Mr Mostogl has been praised for his ability to keep Bell Bay Aluminium at the forefront of Tasmanian industry.

‘‘Manufacturing is vitally important to Tasmania’s economy,’’ Mr Mostogl said.

‘‘Through hard work and perseverance, our business has transformed itself to survive. I’m proud of everything that we have all achieved and I look forward to our continued success.’’

Bell Bay Aluminum contributes $690 million a year to Tasmania’s gross state product.