Arconic Appoints Charles “Chip” Blankenship Chief Executive Officer

Arconic Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Charles “Chip” Blankenship as chief executive officer.

Blankenship 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 in the production of large and small jet engines for commercial aircraft.

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

“After a thoughtful and deliberate search, the board is unanimous that Chip Blankenship is the right leader to take the helm at Arconic,” said interim Chief Executive Officer Pat Russo. “Chip is an exceptional executive with deep operating experience in aerospace and materials science. He has a strong customer orientation and impressive leadership skills. We are confident that Chip will lead Arconic to create sustainable and increasing value for customers and for shareholders.”

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.