In a significant announcement, Alcoa Corporation (NYSE: AA) has revealed that William F. Oplinger will take the helm as President and Chief Executive Officer of the company, as well as become a member of its Board of Directors.
Oplinger, 56, steps into his new role after serving as the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer since February 2023. Prior to this, he held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from November 2016 to February 2023.
The transition comes as Roy C. Harvey, who has led the company as Chief Executive Officer since November 2016 and as President since May 2017, moves into the role of Strategic Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer until December 31, 2023.
Steven Williams, the non-executive Chairman of the Board, commended Harvey for his transformative leadership, stating, “Roy has guided Alcoa since its launch as a public company in November 2016, helping to transform Alcoa into the stronger and more resilient company that it is today.”
Williams continued, expressing confidence in Oplinger’s capability to steer the company forward, citing his extensive experience within Alcoa.
Prior to the establishment of Alcoa Corporation in 2016, Oplinger held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Alcoa Inc. His tenure also included serving as Chief Operating Officer for the Global Primary Products division, where he oversaw critical aspects of the business including mining, refining, smelting, casting, and energy operations.
In response to his appointment, Oplinger expressed his honor and determination, stating, “We’ve strengthened our Company and we will be focused on executing on our strategies to create value today while we work on our long-term vision to reinvent the aluminum industry for a sustainable future.”
