Hexcel Corporation has announced that following a comprehensive succession process, its board of directors has appointed Thomas C Gentile III as chief executive officer (CEO) & president of Hexcel Corporation, effective May 1. He also is expected to be appointed to the board of directors following the annual shareholder meeting on May 2.

He will succeed chairman, CEO & president Nick Stanage who worked closely with the board on his desire to retire at the end of the year. Stanage will become the executive chairman of the board to ensure a smooth and successful transition until his retirement on December 31, 2024, the company said in a press release.

“Today, Hexcel is well positioned with the right strategy, an incredibly talented team and a clear roadmap to continue driving innovation across our differentiated portfolio while delivering sustainable, long-term growth for shareholders. I am confident that this is the right time to transition to a new leader who will continue propelling the business forward and executing against our financial targets. With his significant leadership and aerospace industry experience and composites' knowledge, Gentile is ideally suited to lead Hexcel into the future. I look forward to working closely with him in my role as executive chairman to ensure a seamless transition,” Stanage said.

Gentile, 59, is an experienced CEO with a demonstrated record of growing and transforming technology-focused businesses in aviation, health care and financial services. Most recently, he served as president and chief executive officer of Spirit AeroSystems from 2016 to 2023. Previously, he held a succession of leadership roles at GE across the US, France and Australia including president & chief operating officer of GE Capital, president & CEO of GE Healthcare Systems, and president & CEO of GE Aviation Services. Currently, he serves as executive advisor to the Dean of the Barton School of Business and formerly was chair of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) in 2023

Stanage joined Hexcel in 2009 as president and was appointed chief operating officer in 2012, chief executive officer in 2013, and chairman of the board in 2014. His successful career also includes leadership positions at Dana Holding Corporation and Honeywell.

“Under Stanage’s leadership, Hexcel has further established itself as a global leader in advanced lightweight composite materials. He has helped enhance shareholder value, built a talented leadership team, and nurtured a resilient culture that will provide a strong foundation as Tom joins the company. The board conducted a rigorous succession planning process, and we are pleased to have found in Gentile a seasoned executive with deep knowledge of the aerospace industry, including both the airframe and jet engine markets, along with substantial operational expertise and a strong focus on customers and shareholders. We are confident that Hexcel has a bright future with Tom at the helm leading the company forward,” Hexcel lead director Jeffrey C Campbell said.

“It is a privilege and an honor to succeed Nick and build upon the incredible operational foundation and culture he and the team have established. I have long admired Hexcel and been impressed by the company’s strong customer relationships and commitment to innovation. I am excited to work with Stanage, the board and the management team and to continue the impressive momentum underway at Hexcel,” Gentile said.

“I am proud of all that we have accomplished at Hexcel, and I want to thank our One Hexcel team for their phenomenal support and commitment over the last 14 years. It has been an incredible honour to lead the Hexcel team, which is the most talented I have ever known. I am convinced that Gentile will now provide great leadership for the next step in the journey and that he will take Hexcel to new heights and a highly successful future,” Stanage concluded.