Leadership Overview
GKN Aerospace has 4 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, information technology, advanced composite systems, and defense systems.
Focused on engineering excellence, GKN Aerospace delivers critical airframe and engine structures to global aviation markets while maintaining a commitment to innovation and operational efficiency across all aerospace manufacturing sectors.
Focused on engineering excellence, GKN Aerospace delivers critical airframe and engine structures to global aviation markets while maintaining a commitment to innovation and operational efficiency across all aerospace manufacturing sectors.
Leadership Roles at GKN Aerospace
Rich Viola - Chief Financial Officer
Rich Viola, the Chief Financial Officer at GKN Aerospace, directs the global financial strategy and capital allocation for the entire organization. Overseeing fiscal planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures robust financial health while supporting the development of complex airframe and engine structures. This leadership role involves managing investor relations and optimizing cost structures to maintain competitive advantages in the tier one supplier market. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Rich Viola directly impacts the long-term profitability and growth trajectory of the company. Furthermore, the Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to align investment priorities with the broader mission of delivering high-performance aerospace components. Through disciplined oversight of global assets, Viola secures the necessary capital to fund research and development initiatives, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of aerospace manufacturing technology and market expansion.
Lin Stark - Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance & Information Technology, Engine Products (East)
Lin Stark, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance & Information Technology, Engine Products (East) at GKN Aerospace, manages the financial and digital infrastructure for the engine products division within the eastern region. Overseeing the integration of advanced information technology systems, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance & Information Technology, Engine Products (East) drives operational efficiency across manufacturing facilities. This leadership role involves streamlining financial reporting processes and upgrading digital platforms to support complex engine structure production. By leveraging data-driven insights, Lin Stark optimizes resource allocation and enhances supply chain visibility. Furthermore, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance & Information Technology, Engine Products (East) coordinates with regional leadership to ensure fiscal compliance and technological readiness. Stark maintains a focus on digital transformation, ensuring that the engine products division remains agile and responsive to the evolving demands of global military and commercial aircraft contractors.
Sheila Foster - Chief Financial Officer, Advanced Composite Systems
Sheila Foster, the Chief Financial Officer, Advanced Composite Systems at GKN Aerospace, oversees the financial operations and strategic budgeting for the advanced composite systems division. Managing the fiscal requirements of high-tech manufacturing, the Chief Financial Officer, Advanced Composite Systems ensures that material procurement and production costs align with project profitability targets. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends in composite materials to guide investment in new manufacturing capabilities. By monitoring project-specific financial performance, Sheila Foster supports the delivery of lightweight, durable structures for commercial and military aircraft. Furthermore, the Chief Financial Officer, Advanced Composite Systems collaborates with engineering teams to evaluate the cost-benefit of innovative composite technologies. Foster drives financial discipline within the division, ensuring that advanced manufacturing processes remain scalable and economically viable. Through precise financial management, Foster contributes to the overall success of the company in the competitive aerospace materials sector.
Stephen Carlin - President, Gkn Advanced Defense Systems
Stephen Carlin, the President, Gkn Advanced Defense Systems at GKN Aerospace, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for the defense-focused business unit. Overseeing the development of specialized airframe and electrical interconnection systems, the President, Gkn Advanced Defense Systems ensures alignment with the requirements of global defense prime contractors. This leadership role involves managing complex program lifecycles and fostering partnerships with military organizations to secure long-term contracts. By prioritizing innovation in defense-grade components, Stephen Carlin drives the expansion of the company's footprint in the global security market. Furthermore, the President, Gkn Advanced Defense Systems coordinates with cross-functional teams to maintain high standards of quality and reliability in mission-critical hardware. Carlin focuses on scaling production capabilities to meet the rigorous demands of modern defense platforms. Through strategic leadership, Carlin ensures the division remains a trusted partner for military aircraft programs worldwide.
Explore Leadership Teams in Aerospace & Defense
L3Harris Technologies, Inc. provides mission-critical solutions for government and commercial customers worldwide. It operates through three segments: Space & Mission Systems (SMS), Communications & Spectrum Dominance (CSD), and Missile Solutions (MSL). The SMS segment integrates satellite and payload capabilities, including missile warning and defense, with maritime, air special missions, and other global defense and civil government programs.
Company Leadership KD
Axiom Space develops human rated space infrastructure and missions that open low Earth orbit to nations, researchers and industry. The company designs and builds commercial station modules and spacesuits, trains crews and runs private and national astronaut missions that advance science, manufacturing and exploration.
Company Leadership JF
JC


General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is a global aerospace and defense company. It provides the U.S. military and its allies with an extensive range of overarching products that provide a cutting-edge advantage to our war fighters. The company is headquartered in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
Company Leadership AA
RG
GH
ST Engineering is a global technology, defense, and engineering group providing innovative solutions across multiple sectors.
Company Leadership PS
SK

AP