New Leadership at ATI Inc.
In a significant move to strengthen its leadership team, ATI Inc. has announced that James Robert 'Rob' Foster will take on the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Senior Vice President of Finance, effective January 1, 2026. This decision marks a pivotal transition for the company as it embarks on the next phase of its strategic growth.
Foster succeeds Don Newman, the outgoing CFO, who will transition into the role of Strategic Advisor to the CEO. Newman, who has been with ATI for a substantial duration, is set to retire on March 1, 2026, but will continue to provide advisory support to ensure a smooth transition during this critical period.
Proven Expertise in Financial Leadership
Rob Foster is no stranger to ATI. With a long-standing career at the company, he has cultivated a deep understanding of both its operational and financial landscapes. Before his new appointment, he served as President of ATI's Specialty Alloys and Components division. Under his leadership, the division not only improved operational efficiency but also enhanced production capacity significantly, solidifying ATI's position as a global leader in the exotic alloys market.
Foster’s extensive experience includes notable roles, such as Vice President of Finance, Supply Chain, and Capital Projects, where he was responsible for overseeing the company's global finance initiatives and ensuring the performance of its enterprise supply chain. His earlier work also included leading financial strategies for ATI's operating segments and the Forged Products business, giving him a well-rounded insight into the organization’s finance and operations.
Commitment to Growth and Value Creation
Kim Fields, the President and CEO of ATI, expressed her confidence in Foster's capabilities. "Rob is a proven PL leader with enterprise-wide experience in the areas that matter most to ATI's continued growth," Fields stated. She acknowledged Foster's role in the successful transformation of the Specialty Rolled Products sector, which has been crucial in maintaining strong returns and enhancing shareholder value.
Foster expressed his enthusiasm about the new role, stating, "I’m honored to become ATI’s next CFO. With a strong balance sheet and a focused strategy, we are well-positioned to capitalize on significant opportunities ahead." His vision includes driving disciplined investments, operational excellence, and fostering long-term value creation for shareholders.
A Legacy of Transformative Leadership
Newman, before stepping down, has highlighted Foster's exemplary leadership qualities and his understanding of ATI's strategic and operational framework. Foster's transformative contributions to various segments of the company have been instrumental in navigating challenges and optimizing performance.
Background and Experience
Prior to joining ATI in 2012, Foster held senior financial positions at API Technologies Corp. and Spectrum Control Inc., where he was integral to ERP implementations and acquisition integrations. He began his career at Ernst & Young (EY) as an auditor, establishing a firm foundation in finance.
Foster holds a bachelor’s degree from Robert Morris University and an MBA from Penn State University, equipping him with the educational background to tackle the complexities of the role.
As ATI looks towards the future, the company has reiterated its guidance for the 2025 fiscal year. The leadership transition comes at a strategic time as ATI, a renowned producer of high-performance materials for aerospace and defense, aims to continue its legacy of innovation and performance. With Rob Foster at the helm of financial strategies, ATI is poised to explore new growth avenues and tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s market.
For more details, visit
ATImaterials.com.