NEW YORK–Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that Olivier Jarrault, currently Chief
Operating Officer, Alcoa Engineered Products and Building Systems, has
been named president of Alcoa Engineered Products and Solutions,
succeeding William F. (Bill) Christopher, who will retire effective
April 1.
In his new role, Jarrault will have overall responsibility strategically
and operationally for EPS’ six business units: Alcoa Fastening Systems,
Alcoa Power and Propulsion, Alcoa Building and Construction Systems,
Alcoa Forgings and Extrusions, Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products,
and Alcoa Oil and Gas. Jarrault will become a member of Alcoa’s
Executive Council, the senior leadership group that sets strategic
direction for the company. He will assume his new position effective
January 1.
“Bill has been a good friend and trusted partner to me, and a
wise counselor to many Alcoans over his 35-year career,” said Klaus
Kleinfeld, Alcoa Chairman and CEO. “Fortunately, we have an outstanding
leader ready to succeed Bill. Olivier has built a reputation as an
action-oriented leader who is respected by customers and employees and
known for delivering strong financial performance. I look forward to him
joining my lead team.”
Jarrault joined Alcoa in 2002 when the company acquired Fairchild
Fasteners from The Fairchild Corporation, where he was Chief Operating
Officer. He was named President of Alcoa Fastening Systems (AFS), a
premier supplier of joining systems under the Huck and Fairchild brands
for aerospace and commercial customers worldwide. He was elected a Vice
President of Alcoa in November 2006.
In February 2010, Jarrault was named to the new position of Chief
Operating Officer, Alcoa Engineered Products and Building Systems, where
he leads the Alcoa Fastening Systems, Alcoa Wheels and Transportation
Products, and Building and Construction Systems businesses.
Early in his career, Jarrault worked for LISI Aerospace, a manufacturer
of fastening solutions, in executive positions in North America and
Europe. He earned a master of science in mechanical engineering from
California Institute of Technology in 1986 and, in 1998, an MBA degree
from the University of California at Los Angeles.
From January 1 until his retirement on April 1, Christopher will serve
as Chairman’s Counsel. In this role, he will continue guiding the Alcoa
Growth Initiatives team, remain a member of the company’s Technology
Advantage Steering Council, and help develop a new Alcoa Advanced
Leadership Program.
Christopher joined Alcoa in 1975 in the Finance organization in
Pittsburgh, following graduation from Penn State University. He was
named President of Alcoa Forged Products, the Cleveland-based forgings
and castings business, in 1996. In October of 2002 he was named
President of Alcoa’s Aerospace and Commercial Transportation Group. A
year later, his role was expanded to include Alcoa’s automotive
businesses and then progressed to Group President for Alcoa Engineered
Products and Solutions. Christopher was elected a Vice President of
Alcoa in 1999 and an Executive Vice President in 2001.
Christopher also has been an advocate for community leadership, most
recently serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Greater
Cleveland Partnership. His community outreach extends globally as
President of the Alcoa Foundation Board of Directors.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world’s leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated
aluminum and alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum
industry, Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the
aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial
transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets over the
past 120 years. Among the solutions Alcoa markets are flat-rolled
products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, as well as Alcoa® wheels,
fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building
systems in addition to its expertise in other light metals such as
titanium and nickel-based super alloys. Sustainability is an integral
part of Alcoa’s operating practices and the product design and
engineering it provides to customers. Alcoa has been a member of the Dow
Jones Sustainability Index for nine consecutive years and approximately
75 percent of all of the aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in
active use today. Alcoa employs approximately 59,000 people in 31
countries across the world. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.