Introduction#

Hexcel Corporation saw its shares drop by 4% on Friday following the announcement of James Coogan as the new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This change comes as the company prepares for a leadership transition.

New CFO Appointment#

James Coogan will officially take over the CFO role on May 1, 2026, succeeding Mike Lenz, who has been serving as the interim CFO. Lenz will continue with Hexcel during a transition period in the capacity of Senior Advisor, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities.

Coogan's Background#

Coogan brings a wealth of experience to Hexcel, having most recently worked as CFO at Axcelis Technologies, a company in the semiconductor supply sector, since September 2023. Before that, he spent 15 years at Kaman Corporation, where he held several key positions, including Senior Vice President and CFO. His extensive career spans over 20 years in finance, accounting, and investor relations across various industries, including aerospace and defense.

Educational Qualifications#

Coogan's educational background includes an MBA from the Yale School of Management, along with a Master’s in Accounting and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting from the University of Connecticut. His diverse experience and strong educational foundation position him well for his new role at Hexcel.