Leadership evolution at Kaiser Aluminum: Jack Hockema retires and the board reshuffles

Kaiser Aluminum Corporation has announced that Jack A. Hockema is retiring as chairman of the board and that Chief Executive Keith Harvey has been chosen to take the chair.

The aluminium company's official statement on January 6 clarified that Hockema's retirement was not due to any disagreements with the company or any matters relating to operations or policies. His retirement became effective on January 1, 2025.

"Keith and I have worked closely together since I joined Kaiser nearly 30 years ago, and I am confident he will continue to guide the company well and enhance value for all of our stakeholders in his new role as chairman," Hockema shared on this note.

Kaiser has tapped Kimberly Glas, CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations, to take Hockema's seat on the board. Her term will expire at the company's next annual shareholders meeting.

Glas has been appointed as a Class I director, with her term set to expire at the 2025 annual meeting. She will also serve on the audit and sustainability committees. With over 20 years of experience in government policy and advocacy for the manufacturing industry, Glas is currently the President and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations. Previously, she served as the Commissioner of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

"I am thrilled to be appointed to Kaiser's Board of Directors at an exciting point in the Company's evolution," said Ms Glas. "Kaiser is a best-in-class company with deep-rooted corporate values that serve as the guiding principles of its operations. I look forward to leveraging my experience to contribute to its continued growth and success."