GKN Aerospace Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

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.

Leadership Roles at GKN Aerospace

  • Chief Financial Officer - Rich Viola
  • Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance & Information Technology, Engine Products (East) - Lin Stark
  • Chief Financial Officer, Advanced Composite Systems - Sheila Foster
  • 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 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

    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 Lin Stark (Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance & Information Technology, Engine Products (East)) and Sheila Foster (Chief Financial Officer, Advanced Composite Systems).
    Who is part of GKN Aerospace’s executive team?
    The executive team of GKN Aerospace includes leaders such as Rich Viola (Chief Financial Officer), Lin Stark (Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance & Information Technology, Engine Products (East)), Sheila Foster (Chief Financial Officer, Advanced Composite Systems) 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 & Vice President, Finance & Information Technology, Engine Products (East), Chief Financial Officer, Advanced Composite Systems, President, Gkn Advanced Defense Systems.