Arconic announces new business leadership appointments

Arconic Inc. announced the appointment of Charles “Chip” Blankenship as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Arconic Board of Directors, effective January 15, 2018. Mr. Blankenship is a 24-year veteran of General Electric (GE) with experience in aviation and jet engine businesses, including running its commercial engine operations.

Blankenship, 51, brings 20 years of aerospace experience to Arconic, having worked across GE’s aviation businesses, including aero engines, industrial gas turbines and aerospace alloy development. A metallurgist by education, Blankenship began his career with GE in 1992 after earning a B.S. in Materials Engineering from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Virginia.

Blankenship is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and serves on the board of the National Association of Manufacturing (NAM).

Commenting on his appointment, Chip Blankenship said, “Arconic is a company with significant strengths and tremendous potential. I am eager to engage with customers, employees and the Board to develop plans that capitalize on our strengths, and deliver outstanding returns for our shareholders. I am excited to join the team and get started."

David Hess, who has served as Arconic’s Interim CEO since April 2017, will remain CEO till Blankenship undertakes his responsibility and will continue to serve on the Arconic Board after that.

John Plant, an Arconic director since 2016, has been appointed Chair of the Board with immediate effect.  He succeeds Pat Russo, who stepped into the role on an interim basis in April 2017. Ms Russo will continue her service on the Board and chair the Governance committee.

Eric Roegner is appointed Executive Vice President and Group President, Engineered Products and Solutions (EP&S). Roegner joined Alcoa Inc. in 2006 and has 11 years’ experience in aerospace and defence.

Roegner holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering and an MBA degree.   He currently serves on the Board of Governors of the Aerospace Industries Association.

Tim Myers is appointed Executive Vice President and Group President, Global Rolled Products (GRP) and Transportation & Construction Solutions (TCS). Myers joined Alcoa Inc. in 1992 as an automotive applications engineer and has a strong background in automotive and commercial transportation.

“Both Eric and Tim are proven operational executives, with strong industry experience and a track record of driving profitable growth and serving our customers with excellence,” said Arconic Interim Chief Executive Officer David Hess.

The company hopes to continue expanding its diverse operations and improve operating performance throughout all segments under these new leaderships.