1. James Foster appointed as CFO effective January 1, 2026. 2. Foster has vast experience in finance and operations at ATI. 3. Previous CFO Don Newman becomes Strategic Advisor after retirement. 4. Foster aims for disciplined investment and operational excellence. 5. ATI maintains its guidance for Q4 and full year 2025.
FAQ
Why Bullish?
Rob Foster’s operational expertise could enhance ATI’s financial performance. Historically, strong leadership transitions have positively influenced stock performance.
How important is it?
The leadership change is crucial for ATI's future; it incites confidence in investors. Effective leadership usually correlates with strong stock performance.
Why Long Term?
Continued effective leadership will take time to manifest in sustainable growth. Historical transitions show significant impact on a company’s direction over multiple quarters.
ATI Inc. Appoints J. Robert Foster as Chief Financial Officer
ATI Inc. (NYSE: ATI) has announced the appointment of James Robert "Rob" Foster as its new Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 1, 2026. This transition comes as Don Newman, the current CFO, steps into the role of Strategic Advisor to the CEO after his retirement is finalized on March 1, 2026. Newman’s advisory role aims to ensure a smooth transition of leadership within the financial department.
Rob Foster: A Veteran Leader Within ATI
Foster is a seasoned leader within ATI, bringing extensive operational and financial expertise to his new position. Prior to this role, he served as President of ATI's Specialty Alloys & Components division, where he successfully enhanced operational efficiency, expanded production capacity, and solidified ATI's standing as a global frontrunner in the exotic alloys market.
His previous experience includes serving as ATI's Vice President of Finance, Supply Chain, and Capital Projects, where he managed the global finance framework and capital deployment strategies. Foster has also held key finance leadership positions across various segments of ATI, including the Forged Products business.
Leadership Statement and Future Outlook
Kim Fields, President and CEO of ATI, commended Foster’s appointment: "Rob is a proven P&L leader with enterprise-wide experience in the areas that matter most to ATI's continued growth. His deep expertise, both in finance and operations, will be vital as we embark on our next phase of profitable growth." Foster played a crucial role in transforming ATI's Specialty Rolled Products sector, contributing significantly to the company's strong financial returns and shareholder value.
Upon his appointment, Foster expressed his gratitude, stating, "I’m honored to become ATI's next CFO. With a robust balance sheet and focused strategy, we are well-positioned to seize upcoming opportunities. My goal is to drive disciplined investment and long-term value for our shareholders."
Don Newman’s Transition and Support
Don Newman highlighted Foster's talent by saying, "Rob is an exceptional leader who understands ATI's strategy, operations, and financial drivers. He has delivered transformative results across the organization, and I look forward to supporting a seamless transition as we undertake this next phase of succession planning." Before joining ATI in 2012, Foster held prominent finance positions at API Technologies Corp. and Spectrum Control Inc., where he was integral in ERP implementations and acquisition integrations. His career commenced as an auditor with Ernst & Young (EY).
Looking Ahead: ATI’s Financial Guidance
As part of its commitment to transparency and investor communication, ATI has reiterated its guidance for the fourth quarter and full year 2025. The company is focused on maintaining its role as a producer of high-performance materials and solutions aimed at the aerospace, defense, electronics, and specialty energy sectors.
By leveraging innovative materials science, ATI aims to tackle some of the world's most complex challenges and continue to create significant value for its stakeholders.