New Delhi: The world''s largest aluminum maker, the US-based Alcoa Inc, has named Ratan Tata to its board of directors. In a statement, Alcoa said that the appointment of Tata would expand Alcoa''s board strength to 11 members.

Alain Belda, chairman and CEO, Alcoa, said, "Ratan''s global business acumen and his depth of knowledge about quality and customer satisfaction will make him a valuable addition to our board of directors."

Alcoa noted that under Tata''s leadership, the group has grown globally primarily through acquisitions, the most recent being Tata Steel''s acquisition of UK-based Corus to become the world''s fifth largest steelmaker.

Tata is also a director on the board of Italy''s Fiat SpA, besides serving on the international advisory boards of Mitsubishi Corporation, the American International Group (AIG) and JP Morgan Chase.

Tata is also chairing the Government of India''s Investment Commission, and a member of several business, industry and trade organisations.