Novelis Appoints Greg Schlicht to Lead North American Operations

Novelis Inc., the world’s largest recycler of aluminum and a leading producer of rolled aluminum products, has named Greg Schlicht as Executive Vice President and President of Novelis North America, effective immediately. In his new role, Schlicht will oversee all aspects of the company’s regional operations, which include manufacturing and recycling facilities across the United States and Canada.

Schlicht has been with Novelis for 16 years, holding leadership positions in commercial, strategy, sustainability, and legal functions. Most recently, he served as Chief Commercial Officer and Vice President of Commercial for North America, where he directed sales strategy and execution. His earlier roles included leading global beverage packaging accounts and driving initiatives in sustainability and corporate strategy.

CEO Steve Fisher described Schlicht as “the ideal candidate to drive our strategic initiatives and growth in the North America region,” citing his track record in innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Strategic Relevance for Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing

While Novelis is widely known for its beverage packaging and automotive aluminum products, its North American operations also supply high‑performance aluminum for aerospace applications. These include lightweight, high‑strength alloys used in airframes, fuselage panels, and specialty components where weight reduction and corrosion resistance are critical.

Schlicht’s background in global account management and sustainability aligns with aerospace OEMs’ increasing demand for low‑carbon materials and closed‑loop recycling programs. His leadership could further position Novelis as a preferred supplier for aerospace manufacturers seeking to meet both performance and environmental targets.

Market Context

The aerospace sector’s recovery and the push toward more sustainable supply chains are driving demand for advanced aluminum solutions. Novelis’ investments in recycling capacity and alloy innovation position it to capture growth in both commercial and defense aerospace markets. With Schlicht at the helm of North American operations, the company is expected to continue expanding its role in supplying next‑generation materials for high‑performance applications.

Supplier Profile: Novelis North America in the Aerospace Supply Chain

Core Capabilities Relevant to Aerospace

• High‑strength aluminum sheet and plate: Precision‑rolled products for fuselage skins, wing structures, and floor panels, meeting stringent aerospace alloy specifications (2xxx, 7xxx series).
• Pre‑machined and customized formats: Reduces OEM and Tier‑1 machining time, scrap rates, and lead times.
• Advanced recycling and closed‑loop systems: Ability to reclaim and re‑roll aerospace‑grade scrap, lowering embodied carbon and ensuring alloy integrity.
• Integrated North American network: Rolling and recycling facilities in Oswego (NY), Davenport (IA), and Greensboro (GA) with proximity to major aerospace manufacturing hubs.

Mapping to Current and Upcoming Aerospace Programs

Program / Segment	Likely Novelis Contribution	Capability Match	Strategic Impact
Boeing 737 MAX / 787 / 777X	Fuselage skins, wing panels, floor beams	High‑strength, corrosion‑resistant plate and sheet	Supports Boeing’s ramp‑up and lightweighting goals
Airbus A220 / A320neo (Mobile, AL production)	Structural sheet and plate	Proximity to U.S. final assembly line, consistent alloy supply	Reduces logistics lead time, supports U.S. content
Gulfstream G700 / G800	Premium fuselage and wing skins	Tight‑tolerance rolling, aesthetic surface quality	Aligns with Gulfstream’s high‑finish requirements
Bombardier Global 7500 / Challenger series	Structural and interior aluminum	Custom gauge and finish	Supports business jet market rebound
Lockheed Martin F‑35	Structural plate for airframe	High‑strength 7xxx series alloys	Meets defense program’s fatigue and corrosion specs
NASA / Commercial Space Launch Vehicles	Structural panels, fairing skins	Lightweight, high‑strength alloys	Supports mass reduction for payload efficiency
Emerging eVTOL OEMs	Structural skins, battery enclosures	Thin‑gauge, high‑formability sheet	Enables lightweight, crashworthy structures

Competitive Differentiators for Aerospace Customers

• Sustainability as a spec: Closed‑loop recycling reduces carbon footprint by up to 95% compared to primary aluminum production, aligning with OEM sustainability targets.
• Alloy development partnerships: Ability to co‑develop alloys with OEMs for specific performance envelopes (e.g., fatigue resistance, corrosion protection).
• Scalable capacity: North American footprint allows for flexible allocation between commercial, business, and defense aerospace demand.
• Certifications and compliance: Meets AS9100 and other aerospace quality standards across relevant facilities.

Opportunities and Watch Points

• Opportunities
  • Capture share in next‑gen single‑aisle programs (Boeing NSA, Airbus A320 successor) as OEMs seek lighter, more sustainable materials.
  • Expand into structural components for eVTOL and advanced air mobility platforms.
  • Leverage recycling leadership to secure long‑term contracts tied to OEM carbon reduction commitments.
• Watch Points
  • Aerospace ramp‑ups constrained by broader supply chain bottlenecks.
  • Competition from composite materials in certain structural applications.
  • Energy cost volatility impacting rolling operations.

Strategic Takeaway

Novelis North America’s combination of high‑performance aluminum rolling, closed‑loop recycling, and geographic proximity to major OEM and Tier‑1 sites positions it as a critical supplier for both legacy and emerging aerospace programs. As sustainability and supply chain resilience become as important as mechanical performance, Novelis’ integrated model offers a competitive edge that could see its role expand in the next wave of aircraft development.