Kennametal Appoints Faisal Hamadi as President of Infrastructure Segment

Rhea-AI Summary

Kennametal (NYSE: KMT) has announced that Faisal Hamadi, currently Vice President of Value Creation Systems, will become President of the company's Infrastructure segment effective January 20, 2025, succeeding Franklin Cardenas. Hamadi joined Kennametal in July 2024 from Eaton , where he had 17 years of experience, most recently managing a $600 million aerospace business with over 1,000 employees.

CEO Sanjay Chowbey expressed confidence in Hamadi's strategic thinking, customer focus, and continuous improvement experience to grow and improve the Infrastructure business. Hamadi's current Value Creation Systems responsibilities will be integrated with existing roles at Kennametal. Cardenas will remain with the company through April 1, 2025, ensuring a smooth transition.

Positive

• Appointment of experienced executive with proven track record managing $600M business unit
• Integration of Value Creation Systems with existing roles for improved operational efficiency
• Structured transition period with outgoing president until April 2025

Negative

• Leadership change could cause temporary disruption in Infrastructure segment

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kennametal Inc. (NYSE: KMT) announced today that Faisal Hamadi, currently Vice President of Kennametal's Value Creation Systems, will succeed Franklin Cardenas as President of the Company's Infrastructure segment, effective January 20, 2025.

"I want to thank Franklin for his years of service and many contributions to Kennametal," said Sanjay Chowbey, President and CEO. "We wish him success in his future endeavors and appreciate his ongoing partnership with Faisal to ensure a seamless transition."

Hamadi joined Kennametal in July 2024 from Eaton Corporation where he had 17 years of experience in progressively larger roles. Most recently, he had P&L ownership as the General Manager of a $600 million aerospace business that served major airlines and OEMs globally and had more than 1,000 employees.

Chowbey said: "Faisal's diverse business experience in commercial, operations and general management will serve him well as the leader of our Infrastructure segment. He will be a critical partner in our journey to create shareholder value, and I am confident that his strategic thinking, customer focus, continuous improvement experience and collaborative approach will help us grow and improve our Infrastructure business."

Hamadi's existing Value Creation Systems responsibilities will be combined with existing roles at Kennametal, providing strong alignment between business, operations and continuous improvement efforts across the company.

Cardenas will remain with the company through April 1, 2025.

About Hamadi

As Vice President of Kennametal Inc. and President of the Infrastructure segment, Hamadi will be accountable for all aspects of the global business, including advancing the strategy, driving operational excellence and delivering profitable growth.

Hamadi is currently the Vice President, Value Creation Systems. He joined Kennametal in 2024, focused on implementing lean business systems as part of the Continuous Improvement Value Creation Pillar. Prior to joining Kennametal, Hamadi spent 17 years at Eaton Corporation in progressive roles, including Division Finance Manager, Product Manager, Sales Manager, Plant Manager and General Manager.

He holds a bachelor's degree in finance from Michigan State and a master's degree in finance from Johns Hopkins University. 

About Kennametal
With over 85 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,400 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2 billion in revenues in fiscal 2024. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. 

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SOURCE Kennametal Inc.

FAQ

When will Faisal Hamadi take over as President of KMT's Infrastructure segment?

Faisal Hamadi will assume the role of President of Kennametal's Infrastructure segment on January 20, 2025.

What was Faisal Hamadi's previous role before joining KMT?

Before joining Kennametal, Hamadi was at Eaton for 17 years, most recently managing a $600 million aerospace business with over 1,000 employees.

How long will Franklin Cardenas remain with KMT during the transition?

Franklin Cardenas will remain with Kennametal through April 1, 2025, to ensure a smooth transition.

What will happen to KMT's Value Creation Systems department after Hamadi's promotion?

Hamadi's Value Creation Systems responsibilities will be combined with existing roles at Kennametal, integrating business, operations, and continuous improvement efforts.