Back to MediaNorsk Titanium Adds Decorated Aerospace Executives to Top Technology Leadership Roles
Two-time Collier Trophy winner and Horizon Industry Achievement Award recipient to lead RPD™ technical cooperation with the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers
OSLO, NORWAY — April 25, 2016 — Norsk Titanium AS, the world’s leading provider of aerospace-grade, titanium additive manufacturing technology, today announced the appointment of Carl O. Johnson to the position of Senior Vice President of Technology, Engineering, & Quality, and Rebecca A. McGrane to the position of Vice President & General Manager of Technology Center.
Carl O. Johnson joins Norsk Titanium from Northrop Grumman, where his 33-year career was highlighted by leading the execution of the U.S. Navy X-47B program to the first ever landing of an autonomous unmanned aircraft on an aircraft carrier—a historical achievement that won Johnson and his team the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy. Mr. Johnson received a second Collier Trophy for his executive leadership of the U.S. Air Force Global Hawk UAS Program, which was deemed the Most Significant Achievement in Aviation for the year 2000 by the National Aeronautic Association. His background in leading technology development, quality, and high performing teams brings significant depth to Norsk Titanium’s executive and technical ranks.
Rebecca A. McGrane joins Norsk Titanium from General Dynamics, where her 15-year career was highlighted by numerous accolades for engineering excellence including the Horizon Industry Award for Technical Achievement, the Certificate of Commendation from the United States Marine Corps, and the Women of Color Technology Rising Star Award for helping to shape the technology of the future. As Director of the Maneuver Collaboration Center for General Dynamics Land Systems, Ms. McGrane was responsible for the innovation, maturation, and transition to production of future ground combat vehicle technologies. Ms. McGrane’s background in advanced composites and materials science research bring new levels of leadership excellence to the company’s Norway-based Technology Center.
“The quality of executive talent we are able to attract and retain is a direct testament to the magnitude of change we are bringing to the manufacturing world,” said Norsk Titanium CEO Warren M. Boley, Jr. “Carl and Rebecca have each demonstrated a lifelong dedication to the proliferation of advanced technology and we are thrilled they now bring their scientific leadership to strengthen the revolution we call Rapid Plasma Deposition.™”
Mr. Johnson and Ms. McGrane will lead the continued advancement of Norsk Titanium’s patented Rapid Plasma Deposition™ technology to support the world’s premier Aerospace & Defense manufacturers and their airframe cost reduction programs by replacing legacy forged and machined parts with game-changing structural RPD™ components.
Mr. Johnson holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northern Arizona University.
Ms. McGrane holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University.