Kennametal (NYSE: KMT) appoints Amanda Cole as chief HR officer
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Kennametal Inc. appointed Amanda Cole as Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, effective July 21, 2026, reporting to President and CEO Sanjay Chowbey. She joins from Wesco International, where she held senior HR leadership roles, and brings more than 20 years of experience.
Cole replaces Judith Bacchus, who will remain Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer until her retirement on or about October 1, 2026. Cole’s package includes a $375,000 annual base salary, a one-time $58,000 cash sign-on bonus, and a special long-term equity grant of $300,000 in restricted stock units that vest over two and three years.
Beginning in fiscal 2027, she will receive recurring long-term incentive grants targeted at $375,000, split between restricted stock units and performance stock units, and will participate in the Annual Incentive Plan with a target bonus of 50% of base salary and the opportunity to earn up to 200% of that target. Her officer agreement also outlines non-compete and confidentiality obligations, severance of 12 months’ salary for certain terminations, and change-in-control protections equal to two times base salary and two times target bonus.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
8-K Event Classification
3 items: 5.02, 8.01, 9.01
3 items
Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers
Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Item 8.01
Other Events
Other
Voluntary disclosure of events the company deems important to shareholders but not covered by other items.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Annual base salary: $375,000
Sign-on cash bonus: $58,000
Special LTI grant value: $300,000
+5 more
8 metrics
Annual base salary
$375,000
Base salary for VP & CHRO role
Sign-on cash bonus
$58,000
One-time bonus payable within 30 days of start
Special LTI grant value
$300,000
Restricted Stock Units granted August 1, 2026
Ongoing LTI target
$375,000
Annual long-term incentive starting fiscal 2027
Annual bonus target
50% of base salary
Target under Annual Incentive Plan for fiscal 2027
Maximum bonus opportunity
200% of target incentive
Ceiling under Annual Incentive Plan
Severance before change in control
12 months of severance
Involuntary termination without cause with Board approval
Change-in-control cash benefit
2x base salary & 2x target bonus
If resigned for good reason or terminated without cause around a change in control
Key Terms
Restricted Stock Units, Performance Stock Units, Change in Control, non-competition, +2 more
6 terms
Restricted Stock Units financial
"a total value of $300,000 consisting of Restricted Stock Units (“RSU’s”)"
Restricted stock units are a type of company reward where employees are promised shares of stock, but they only fully own these shares after meeting certain conditions, like staying with the company for a set time. They matter because they can become valuable assets and are often used to motivate employees to help the company succeed.
Performance Stock Units financial
"consisting of 40% Restricted Stock Units (“RSU’s”) and 60% Performance Stock Units (“PSU’s”)"
Performance stock units are a type of company award that grants employees shares of stock only if certain performance goals are met. They motivate employees to work toward specific company achievements, aligning their interests with those of shareholders. For investors, they can influence a company's future stock supply and reflect management’s confidence in reaching key targets.
Change in Control financial
"for reason of a Change in Control or any other reason"
A "change in control" occurs when the ownership or management of a company shifts significantly, such as through a merger, acquisition, or sale of a large part of its assets. This change can impact how the company is run and may influence its future direction. For investors, it matters because it can affect the company's stability, strategy, and value, often signaling potential changes in investment risk or opportunity.
non-competition financial
"Non-competition/non-disclosure. Unless Kennametal provides prior consent in writing"
A non-competition is a contractual restriction that prevents a person or business from starting or working in a competing business within a specified time and geographic area after leaving a job or completing a transaction. It matters to investors because it acts like a temporary fence around customers, trade secrets and know‑how, helping protect future revenue and company value; weak or unenforceable restrictions can increase the risk of customer loss and competitive erosion.
indemnification agreement financial
"she will enter into an indemnification agreement with the Company"
An indemnification agreement is a contract in which one party promises to cover losses, costs, or legal claims that another party might face, acting like a tailored safety net or private insurance policy. For investors, it matters because such agreements shift potential financial risk away from a company or its officers and onto the indemnifier, which can affect a company’s future liabilities, cash flow and how risky the investment appears during deal-making or litigation.
Annual Incentive Plan financial
"Participation in the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan with a target bonus"
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): June 25, 2026
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | |||||||||||||||
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||||||||||||||
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (412 ) 248-8000
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2). Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
On June 30, 2026, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Kennametal Inc. (the “Company” or “Kennametal”) announced the appointment of Amanda Cole to serve as Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of the Company effective July 21, 2026. Ms. Cole will report to Kennametal President and Chief Executive Officer, Sanjay Chowbey.
Ms. Cole succeeds Ms. Judith Bacchus, the Company’s current Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, who has served in this role and that of Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer since June 1, 2011. Ms. Bacchus will remain employed by the Company as Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer until her retirement on or about October 1, 2026.
Ms. Cole, age 46, joins Kennametal from Wesco International, Inc. (“Wesco”) (NYSE: WCC), a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Ms. Cole served as Vice President of Human Resources, Electrical & Electronic Solutions Business and IT & Digital Functions at Wesco from 2022. Prior to this, Ms. Cole was the Vice President of Human Resources, Utility and Broadband Solutions Business and IT & Digital Functions from 2020 to 2022. Ms. Cole was employed by Wesco since 2006 in various increasing roles of responsibility in Human Resources after starting out in Lean and Process Improvement.
At the time Ms. Cole starts her service with Kennametal, she will enter into an indemnification agreement with the Company in the form previously approved by the Board.
She will also enter into an officer’s employment agreement with Kennametal in the form previously approved by the Board. Generally, the officer’s employment agreement will provide:
•General. Ms. Cole will be required to devote her entire time and attention to the business and affairs of Kennametal while she is employed.
•Term. There is no predetermined term.
•Non-competition/non-disclosure. Unless Kennametal provides prior consent in writing, if Kennametal terminates her employment without cause, then for one year after the date of termination, Ms. Cole cannot, in any geographic area in which Kennametal is offering its services and products: (a) directly or indirectly engage in; or (b) assist or have an active interest in; or (c) enter the employ of, or act as agent for, or advisor or consultant to, any entity which is or is about to become directly or indirectly engaged in any business that is competitive with any business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates in which the executive is or was engaged. In the event that (i) Ms. Cole voluntarily terminates her employment; or (ii) Ms. Cole’s employment is terminated for reason of a Change in Control or any other reason, the aforementioned non-compete obligation is two years after the date of termination. However, in case of termination for any reason, Ms. Cole cannot disclose any of Kennametal’s confidential or trade secret information.
•Assignment of Inventions. Ms. Cole must assign to Kennametal all inventions conceived or made during her employment with Kennametal.
•Termination. Ms. Cole’s employment may be terminated by either party at any time, for any reason or no reason at all; provided that the Company may only terminate Ms. Cole’s employment with the approval and authorization of the Board.
•Severance. If, with Board authorization, Kennametal involuntarily terminates Ms. Cole’s employment prior to a change in control and not for cause, she will be entitled to 12 months of severance.
•Change in Control. The agreement provides for payments to Ms. Cole if she resigns for good reason or if she is terminated by the Company without cause within six months prior to a change in control of the Company, or within 24 months following a change in control of the Company. In this event, she will receive a payment equal to two times her base salary and two times her target bonus.
The description of Ms. Cole’s employment agreement is qualified in its entirety by the full text of Kennametal Inc.’s Form of Officer’s Employment Agreement with certain Named Executive Officers, which is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.60 to Kennametal Inc.’s of Form 10-K filed August 10, 2018, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In connection with her appointment and start date as Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Ms. Cole will be entitled to the following compensation:
•Annual base salary of $375,000.
•A one-time sign-on cash bonus of $58,000 payable within 30 days of the start date, subject to repayment in the event of voluntary termination within one year of her start date.
•A special long-term incentive grant on August 1, 2026, to be made under the Kennametal Inc. Stock and Incentive Plan of 2024 (the “2024 Plan”) with a total value of $300,000 consisting of Restricted Stock Units (“RSU’s”) of which $200,000 will cliff vest on the second grant date anniversary contingent upon continued employment and $100,000 of which will cliff vest on the third grant date anniversary contingent upon continued employment.
•Long-term incentive grants to be made under the 2024 Plan, beginning in fiscal year 2027, with a target grant date total value of $375,000 (subject to adjustment based on compensation market data, performance and market conditions) consisting of 40% Restricted Stock Units (“RSU’s”) and 60% Performance Stock Units (“PSU’s”). The RSU’s will vest in equal parts over a 3-year period, with one-third vesting on each anniversary date of the grant. The PSU’s cliff vest on the third grant date anniversary subject to the achievement of certain Kennametal performance measures in each of the three years in the term.
•Participation in the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan with a target bonus for fiscal year 2027 of 50% of annual base salary, with an opportunity to earn up to 200% of the target incentive.
•Participation in all general employee benefit plans and programs as well as participation in any plans and programs for executives.
Item 8.01 Other Events.
On June 30, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment of Amanda Cole as Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer and the retirement of Judith Bacchus. A copy of this press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
10.1 Form of Executive Officer Agreement as of April 2018 (Exhibit 10.60 of Form 10-K filed August 10, 2018 is incorporated herein by reference)
10.2 Form of Indemnification Agreement for Named Executive Officers (Exhibit 10.2 of the Form 8- K filed March 22, 2005 is incorporated herein by reference)
99.1 Press Release dated June 30, 2026
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| KENNAMETAL INC. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date: | June 30, 2026 | By: | /s/ Michelle R. Keating | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Michelle R. Keating | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4
Exhibit 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DATE: June 30, 2026
| Investor Relations | Media Relations | ||||
| CONTACT: Michael Pici | CONTACT: Lori Lecker | ||||
| PHONE: 412-790-0792 | PHONE: 412-248-8224 | ||||
| michael.pici@kennametal.com | lori.lecker@kennametal.com | ||||
Kennametal Names Amanda Cole Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer; Judith Bacchus to Retire after 20 years at the Company
PITTSBURGH, June 30, 2026 — Kennametal Inc. (NYSE: KMT) announced today the appointment of Amanda Cole as Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, effective July 21, 2026.
Cole brings more than 20 years of experience in leading enterprise-wide transformation, cultural evolution and talent strategy, most recently serving as Vice President of Human Resources, Electrical & Electronic Solutions Business and IT & Digital Functions at Wesco International, Inc. She will succeed Judith Bacchus, who will retire on or about October 1, 2026, after more than 20 years at the company.
“Amanda is an accomplished Human Resources leader in the industrial space who brings a technically grounded, cross-functional perspective and a strong focus on continuous improvement,” said Sanjay Chowbey, President and CEO. “I am confident that she will be a key partner to the Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team while helping us further shape our culture, build capability and drive performance.”
Chowbey continued, “I also want to thank Judy for her nearly two decades of leadership at Kennametal. Since joining the company in 2006, she has played a central role in strengthening our organization by building our global talent strategy, advancing our culture and leading critical functions including human resources, communications and environmental, health, safety and quality. We wish her all the best in retirement and appreciate her partnership in ensuring a seamless transition with Amanda over the coming months.”
About Amanda Cole
As Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Cole will be accountable for all human resources globally. In addition, she will oversee the company’s internal and external corporate communications function and environmental, health, safety and quality (EHSQ) activities.
Most recently, Cole was Vice President of Human Resources Electrical & Electronic Solutions Business and IT & Digital Functions at Wesco International, Inc. where she led the HR strategy for a multibillion-dollar global business unit and enterprise IT/Digital functions, supporting 6,500 employees globally.
1
Prior to that, she served in various human resources leadership roles at Wesco International, Inc. and has experience in Lean and process improvement, as well as leading training and development. She started her career at Newell Rubbermaid as a Project Manager and Manufacturing Engineer.
Cole has a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from Penn State University and Master of Business Administration from University of Baltimore.
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 8,100 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2 billion in revenues in fiscal 2025. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
2
FAQ
What leadership change did Kennametal (KMT) announce in this 8-K?
Kennametal announced that Amanda Cole will become Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer on July 21, 2026, succeeding longtime executive Judith Bacchus. Bacchus will remain Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer until her planned retirement on or about October 1, 2026.
What is Amanda Cole’s compensation package at Kennametal (KMT)?
Amanda Cole will receive a $375,000 annual base salary and a $58,000 sign-on cash bonus. She also gets a special $300,000 long-term incentive grant in restricted stock units plus ongoing annual long-term incentives targeted at $375,000 starting in fiscal year 2027.
How are Amanda Cole’s long-term incentive awards at Kennametal (KMT) structured?
Her special $300,000 grant consists of restricted stock units, with $200,000 cliff vesting after two years and $100,000 after three years. From fiscal 2027, annual grants target $375,000, split 40% RSUs with three-year ratable vesting and 60% PSUs vesting after three years based on performance.
What annual bonus opportunity will Amanda Cole have at Kennametal (KMT)?
Amanda Cole will participate in Kennametal’s Annual Incentive Plan starting in fiscal 2027 with a target bonus equal to 50% of her base salary. Under the plan design, she can earn up to 200% of that target based on company and individual performance outcomes.
What severance and change-in-control protections does Amanda Cole receive at Kennametal (KMT)?
If Kennametal terminates her without cause before a change in control, she is eligible for 12 months of severance. If she resigns for good reason or is terminated without cause around a change in control, she receives two times her base salary and two times her target bonus.
Does Amanda Cole’s employment agreement with Kennametal (KMT) include non-compete terms?
Yes. If Kennametal terminates her without cause, she is restricted from competing for one year in areas where it does business. If she resigns voluntarily or after a change in control, the non-compete extends to two years, and confidentiality obligations always remain in force.