Exhibit 10.1
 
 Personal & Confidential
  
   1.
    
    Starting DateThe effective date of this position will be November 6, 2008.2.
    
    SalaryThe position of Vice President Finance and Controller will have an initial base salary of
$300,000 annually. Currently Novelis has two pay periods per month. Your next salary review
will be in July 2009.3.
    
    Annual Incentive PlanIn addition to base salary, this position also includes participation in Novelis annual
incentive plan. The target payout for your position will be 50% of your base salary annually or
$150,000. You will be eligible for 5 months of participation for the Fiscal Year-End 2009 bonus
plan which covers the period April 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009. The performance measures for
this plan include operating EBITDA, operating free cash flow and EHS [environment, health and
safety] objectives. Depending on the level of the results, the actual bonus for FYE 2009,
pro-rated for service, could be as high as two-times target or as low as zero.4.
    
    Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)You will be eligible to participate in the Novelis LTIP. The target opportunity for your level
is $171,000 annualized. However, your grant for the FY 2009  FY 2012 LTIP will be $200,000.
We will share more information with you as soon as it is available.5.
    
    BenefitsNovelis provides a wide range of benefits which include:
 
    
    Savings and Retirement  You will be immediately eligible to participate in the Novelis
Savings and Retirement Plan. Under the savings portion of the plan, you will have pre-tax
and after-tax savings options with Company match of 100% on your first 3% of contributions
and 50% on your next 3% of contributions. You will immediately be vested 100% in the
Company match. Under the retirement portion of the plan you will receive a Company
contribution in the amount of 5% of your base salary and annual bonus




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received up to the target bonus amount. You will be fully vested in the retirement portion
on your third anniversary, there is no partial vesting.
    
    Life insurance.
    
    Medical and prescription drug plan.
    
    Dental coverage.
    
    Short and long term disability
    
    Flex Perks  You will receive an annual stipend of $7,000, minus required deductions,
paid to you over 12 months. This amount is intended for your personal use for club
memberships, professional financial services or as you may choose. The company does not
otherwise pay club dues and/or financial services.
 6.
    
    Company VehicleYou will be eligible to participate in the company leased vehicle program. The company will pay
the lease cost for a vehicle of your choosing to a maximum of $37,000 capitalized cost. (You
may select a higher priced vehicle but the excess will be paid by you through on-going payroll
deductions) Fuel, maintenance and insurance expenses are paid by the company. In accordance
with IRS regulations, use of a company provided vehicle for personal use is a taxable benefit to
you.7.
    
    Vacation EntitlementYou will be entitled to three (3) days of vacation for the calendar year 2008. Thereafter, your
vacation entitlement will be governed by Novelis vacation policy but will be no less than
twenty (20) days annually. You will also be entitled to the paid holidays in Novelis 2008
published holiday schedule for the Atlanta office.8.
    
    Sign-On BonusYou will receive a two-part sign-on bonus. The first payment will be made within thirty days of
hire and will be in the gross amount of $100,000. Should you voluntarily terminate your
employment with Novelis before November 6, 2010, you will repay a prorated portion of this
payment.Assuming you continue to be employed by Novelis, the second payment will be made to you within
30 days of November 6, 2009, and will be in the gross amount of $100,000. Should you
voluntarily terminate your employment with Novelis before November 6, 2010, you will repay a
prorated portion of this payment.9.
    
    SeveranceIn the event your employment is terminated by Novelis, except for cause, you will receive twelve
(12) months severance pay [base salary and target bonus]. Subsequently, as service accrues past
the twelve month entitlement, you will be subject to the standard severance policy.
  (a)
    
    Your passing a pre-placement drug screen test to ensure your suitability for the required
tasks. Information about the drug screen test is enclosed.
 (b)
    
    Completion of a background check, as outlined in the enclosed form. Please return the
background check authorization form and the Employment Application to me and we can complete
this part of the process.
 
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(c)
    
    In order for the Company to comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, you
must provide documentation of your identity and legal eligibility for employment by
Novelis in the United States. You must bring this documentation with you on your first day of
employment.
 (d)
    
    This offer/future employment is further contingent upon your maintaining your Employment
Authorization in the United States with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. You will
be required to annually show proof of renewal of the Employment Authorization.
      
 Accepted:
    
    /s/ Robert Nelson
    
    
    
    November 6, 2008(Name)
    
    
    
    (Date)
 
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