GKN Aerospace Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

GKN Aerospace has 4 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, advanced composite systems, engine products finance, and defense systems operations.

Focused on engineering excellence, GKN Aerospace delivers critical airframe and engine structures to global aviation partners while maintaining a commitment to innovation and operational efficiency across the aerospace manufacturing sector.

Leadership Roles at GKN Aerospace

  • Chief Financial Officer - Rich Viola
  • Chief Financial Officer, Advanced Composite Systems - Sheila Foster
  • Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance & Information Technology, Engine Products (East) - Lin Stark
  • President, Gkn Advanced Defense Systems - Stephen Carlin
  • 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 the company maintains robust liquidity while supporting large-scale manufacturing investments in airframe and engine structures. This leadership role involves managing complex international tax structures and optimizing cost efficiency across diverse production facilities. By aligning financial performance with long-term growth objectives, Rich Viola directly impacts the competitive positioning of the firm within the global aerospace market. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to evaluate potential acquisitions and divestitures, ensuring that every capital deployment strengthens the market presence of the company. Through rigorous oversight of financial reporting and risk management, Viola secures the fiscal health required to sustain high-volume production for commercial and military aircraft prime contractors.

    Sheila Foster - Chief Financial Officer, Advanced Composite Systems

    Sheila Foster, the Chief Financial Officer, Advanced Composite Systems at GKN Aerospace, manages the financial operations specifically dedicated to the development and production of advanced composite materials. Overseeing budgetary controls for research and development, the Chief Financial Officer, Advanced Composite Systems ensures that material science investments yield high-margin returns. This role involves monitoring supply chain costs for specialized resins and fibers while driving efficiency in manufacturing processes for next-generation aircraft components. By analyzing production data, Sheila Foster identifies opportunities to reduce waste and improve throughput in composite fabrication. The Chief Financial Officer, Advanced Composite Systems coordinates with engineering teams to align project spending with technical milestones. Through precise financial modeling, Foster supports the expansion of composite capabilities, ensuring that the division remains at the forefront of lightweight structural technology for both commercial and military aviation sectors.

    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, directs the financial and digital infrastructure for engine component manufacturing across eastern operational regions. Overseeing the integration of advanced IT systems into production workflows, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance & Information Technology, Engine Products (East) ensures data-driven decision-making across the engine products division. This leadership role involves managing regional capital expenditures and optimizing the digital supply chain to meet the demands of engine prime contractors. By streamlining financial reporting and IT operations, Lin Stark enhances operational transparency and speed. The Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance & Information Technology, Engine Products (East) collaborates with regional leadership to drive cost-saving initiatives and improve manufacturing margins. Through this dual focus on finance and technology, Stark maintains the operational agility necessary for high-precision engine component production.

    Stephen Carlin - President, Gkn Advanced Defense Systems

    Stephen Carlin, the President, Gkn Advanced Defense Systems at GKN Aerospace, directs the strategic development and operational execution of defense-related aerospace programs. Overseeing the design and delivery of specialized structures for military aircraft, the President, Gkn Advanced Defense Systems ensures compliance with stringent defense standards and mission-critical requirements. This leadership role involves managing relationships with military prime contractors and overseeing the deployment of advanced technologies in global defense markets. By aligning production capabilities with evolving security needs, Stephen Carlin drives the growth of the defense portfolio. The President, Gkn Advanced Defense Systems coordinates with internal engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure the timely delivery of high-performance components. Through strategic oversight of defense operations, Carlin strengthens the position of the company as a trusted partner for military aviation, ensuring that all defense-related projects meet the highest levels of technical excellence and operational reliability.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding GKN Aerospace Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads GKN Aerospace?
    GKN Aerospace is led by Rich Viola (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Sheila Foster (Chief Financial Officer, Advanced Composite Systems) and Lin Stark (Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance & Information Technology, Engine Products (East)).
    Who is part of GKN Aerospace’s executive team?
    The executive team of GKN Aerospace includes leaders such as Rich Viola (Chief Financial Officer), Sheila Foster (Chief Financial Officer, Advanced Composite Systems), Lin Stark (Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance & Information Technology, Engine Products (East)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does GKN Aerospace have?
    GKN Aerospace has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in GKN Aerospace’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of GKN Aerospace includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Advanced Composite Systems, Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance & Information Technology, Engine Products (East), President, Gkn Advanced Defense Systems.