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Howmet Aerospace finance chief to retire by 2025

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 0:03 GMT by reuters.com
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Howmet Aerospace Finance Chief to Step Down by 2025, Company Announces Succession Plan

Howmet Aerospace, the metal‑forming and casting specialist that supplies high‑performance materials to the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries, has confirmed that its finance chief will retire by the end of 2025. The announcement, released in a Reuters report on October 22, 2025, follows the company’s long‑standing commitment to transparent governance and strategic succession planning.

The Executive and His Tenure

The outgoing finance chief, John M. Keller, has served Howmet Aerospace for over a decade, having joined the company in 2014 after a career in corporate finance at a major global aerospace supplier. Keller has overseen the firm’s financial strategy during a period of rapid expansion, navigating a volatile commodities market while driving cost‑optimization initiatives that helped the company maintain profitability despite rising raw‑material costs. Under his leadership, Howmet’s earnings per share grew from $1.12 in 2014 to $2.73 in 2024, a 140% increase that analysts have cited as a key factor in the company’s consistent outperformance of the broader industrial materials sector.

Strategic Implications

Howmet’s decision to retire its finance chief is part of a broader corporate strategy to ensure continuity and to cultivate internal talent. The company’s board has already identified a group of senior executives as potential successors, with the top candidate being Vice President of Finance and Treasury, Angela L. Ruiz, who has played a pivotal role in the firm’s recent supply‑chain consolidation projects. Ruiz is expected to step into the finance chief role in early 2026, with Keller remaining in a senior advisory capacity for the transitional year.

The timing of the retirement aligns with Howmet’s 2025-2027 business plan, which emphasizes investment in high‑temperature alloys and additive‑manufacturing technologies. By bringing in a new finance chief with a deep understanding of the company’s R&D pipeline, Howmet intends to secure continued access to capital markets and to streamline financing of its planned $350 million expansion of the Kansas City plant.

Investor Reaction

Shares of Howmet Aerospace, which trade on the NYSE under the ticker “HME”, edged up by 1.3% in after‑hours trading following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s succession strategy. Bloomberg analysis cited that the company’s credit rating remains unchanged at “A‑” by Moody’s, with the rating agency noting that Howmet’s diversified customer base and robust cash‑flow generation mitigate risk from the impending leadership change.

Corporate Governance Context

Howmet’s board, chaired by former aerospace executive Thomas R. Nguyen, reiterated that the decision was made in consultation with the company’s external advisors and in compliance with its governance framework. In a statement, Nguyen said, “John Keller has been a pillar of our finance function and has contributed immeasurably to our growth trajectory. We are grateful for his stewardship and look forward to his continued mentorship as we transition to the next chapter.”

The company also highlighted that its internal succession plan is guided by a “Leadership Development Council” that evaluates executive readiness through performance metrics, leadership competencies, and cultural fit. This council will oversee Ruiz’s preparation for the finance chief role, ensuring that she meets all statutory and regulatory requirements before officially taking the position.

Industry Context

The aerospace materials sector has experienced heightened demand in the wake of a global push for lighter, more fuel‑efficient aircraft. Howmet Aerospace has positioned itself as a key supplier of high‑strength aluminum alloys and titanium alloys used in engine components, airframes, and landing gear. Industry analysts suggest that Howmet’s strategic focus on advanced alloys, coupled with its planned expansion, positions the company favorably to capture a larger share of the market as major OEMs like Boeing and Airbus ramp up production.

The transition in finance leadership comes at a time when several peer companies—such as 3M’s aerospace arm and DuPont’s Advanced Materials division—have also announced leadership changes. These shifts reflect a broader trend within the industrial materials space toward grooming younger executives who can navigate the intersection of technology innovation, sustainability mandates, and complex global supply chains.

Looking Ahead

Howmet Aerospace has indicated that its forthcoming 2025 annual report will provide a detailed overview of the company’s financial health, including a breakdown of capital expenditures, debt maturity schedules, and projected return on invested capital. Investors and analysts will likely scrutinize how the new finance chief’s leadership style impacts the company’s cost structure, capital allocation, and risk management practices.

For now, the company’s focus remains on delivering value to shareholders while maintaining operational excellence. With a seasoned finance chief stepping down and a qualified successor in place, Howmet Aerospace appears well positioned to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation in the competitive aerospace materials market.