The Nickel Institute, the body that represents 90% of the world’s nickel producers, has announced a change in focus that will result in a modification of its organisational structure. The objective is to refocus the strategic direction and resources of the Nickel Institute on the defence of nickel markets and the promotion of the use of nickel-containing materials. The new structure has been launched in response to increasing legislation restricting the use of nickel and its compounds and in order to enable the industry to weather current global economic conditions. The activities of the Nickel Institute will be spearheaded from its main office in Brussels, with additional locations in the USA, Canada and Asia to serve the needs of members and markets. The new structure will consist of three main divisions: Hazard Quantification and Classification headed by Hudson Bates; Regulatory Defence headed by Hugo Waeterschoot; and Promotion headed by Peter Cutler, all reporting to Steve Barnett, who continues in his role as President of the Nickel Institute. The new structure will be completed by the end of 2009.