Arconic names GE’s Blankenship new CEO

Arconic has announced that Charles “Chip” Blankenship has been appointed as CEO and a member of the Arconic Board of Directors, effective 15^th January 2018.

Blankenship is a 24-year veteran of General Electric (GE) who spent much of his career in its 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. Blankenship previously led GE Aviation’s Commercial Engines Operation, the world’s leading producer of large and small jet engines for commercial aircraft.

A metallurgist by training, 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’s GE career culminated in his appointment as president and CEO of GE Appliances in December 2011, where he led a significant turnaround of the business and its subsequent 2016 sale to Haier Company.

Blankenship is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and serves on the board of the National Association of Manufacturing (NAM), where he has also led NAM’s Task Force on Competitiveness & the Workforce. He holds seven patents related to jet engine technology.

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 until the start of Blankenship’s tenure and will continue to serve on the Board after the transition.

Hess said: “I have known Chip Blankenship for many years as a colleague and competitor in the aerospace industry and I can personally attest that he is an excellent fit for Arconic. I couldn’t be happier with the Board’s selection. I’m looking forward to working with him to ensure a seamless transition and continuing my service as a director to help realize the vast potential of Arconic.”

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