ATI Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
ATI Inc., a leading Dallas-based producer of high-performance materials serving the aerospace and defense sectors, has announced the promotion of James Robert “Rob” Foster to the role of Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 1, 2026. This leadership move marks a significant step in the company’s strategic succession planning.
Foster, a veteran leader within ATI, will take over from Don Newman, who has served as CFO and will transition to a new role as strategic advisor to the CEO starting in January. Newman’s official retirement is scheduled for March 1, 2026, allowing for a seamless handover of responsibilities over a two-month period.
Leadership Transition and Strategic Planning
Kim Fields, ATI’s President and CEO, expressed her strong support for Foster’s elevation. “Rob is a proven P&L leader with enterprise-wide experience in the areas that matter most to ATI’s continued growth,” said Fields in a public statement. “His deep expertise in both finance and operations has been instrumental in our Specialty Rolled Products transformation. His track record of delivering value and driving shareholder returns makes him an ideal partner for our next phase of growth.”
In response to his appointment, Foster shared his excitement about taking on the new role. “I’m honored to become ATI’s next CFO,” he said. “ATI is well-positioned with a strong balance sheet, focused strategy, and significant opportunities ahead. I look forward to working with our team to drive disciplined investment, operational excellence, and long-term value creation for our shareholders.”
Rob Foster’s Career and Experience
Foster brings to his new role a wealth of experience from across ATI’s operations. Most recently, he served as President of the Specialty Alloys & Components business, where he spearheaded initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, expand production capacity, and bolster ATI’s global leadership in exotic alloys.
Prior to that, Foster held the position of Vice President of Finance, Supply Chain, and Capital Projects. In this role, he managed ATI’s global financial strategies, oversaw capital investment processes, and led improvements across the enterprise supply chain. His earlier roles included Finance leadership for ATI’s operating segments and the Forged Products business.
His strategic insights and financial discipline have made him a key player in ATI’s evolution and success. Colleagues and executives alike have praised Foster for his ability to align financial initiatives with operational goals, delivering measurable results company-wide.
Outgoing CFO Don Newman Reflects on Transition
Don Newman, the outgoing CFO, also weighed in on the transition. “Rob is an exceptional leader who understands ATI’s strategy, operations, and financial drivers. He has delivered transformative results across the organization,” Newman noted. “I look forward to supporting a seamless transition as we pursue this next step in our succession planning.”
Newman has served in various capacities at ATI and is credited with strengthening the company’s financial position during his tenure. His continued involvement as a strategic advisor during the transition will help ensure continuity and stability as Foster steps into his new role.
Foster’s Background Before ATI
Before joining ATI in 2012, Foster held senior financial roles at API Technologies Corp. and Spectrum Control Inc. During his time at those companies, he led major initiatives including ERP system implementations, acquisition integrations, and improvements in internal controls. Foster began his professional journey as an auditor at Ernst & Young (EY), providing him with a strong foundation in financial oversight and compliance.
ATI’s Role in the Aerospace and Defense Industry
ATI Inc. is renowned for its development of high-performance materials and components used in critical applications across aerospace, defense, electronics, medical, and specialty energy markets. The company has established itself as a key player in global innovation and manufacturing, delivering solutions designed to meet the most demanding technical requirements.
With Foster at the financial helm, ATI looks to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation. His combination of operational know-how and financial strategy is expected to reinforce the company’s market position and drive long-term shareholder value.
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