Charles (Chip) Blankenship mostly recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Arconic, a global leader in precision engineered materials, products, and solutions for major markets including aerospace, automotive, commercial transportation, and building and construction. Prior to joining Arconic, Dr. Blankenship served in senior leadership roles during a 25-year career at General Electric (GE), where he led GE Aviation's Commercial Engines Operation and GE's Aero Energy business. Dr. Blankenship served as President and CEO of GE Appliances, leading a significant turnaround of that business and its subsequent sale to the Haier Company in 2016.
A metallurgist by training, Dr. Blankenship holds a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from the University of Virginia and a B.S. degree in materials science and engineering from Virginia Tech. He holds seven patents related to jet engine technology and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering. Blankenship is currently the Montgomery Distinguished Professor of Practice in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia.