GATX Corporation Appoints Robert S. Wetherbee to Board of Directors, Strengthening Leadership Team with Decades of Industry Expertise
GATX Corporation, a global leader in railcar leasing and asset management, announced today the appointment of Robert “Bob” S. Wetherbee to its board of directors. In addition to his role as a director, Mr. Wetherbee will serve on two key committees: the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. With this strategic addition, the GATX board now comprises nine members, including eight who are independent directors in alignment with best corporate governance practices.
The announcement reflects GATX’s continued efforts to fortify its board with individuals who bring a breadth of experience, industry acumen, and strategic insight to support the company’s long-term objectives. Mr. Wetherbee’s appointment follows a highly distinguished career spanning over four decades in the specialty materials, metals, aerospace, and industrial sectors.
A Veteran Leader with Deep Industry Roots
Robert S. Wetherbee, 65, currently serves as executive chairman of ATI Inc. (NYSE: ATI), a prominent producer of advanced materials and performance-critical components for demanding applications in industries such as aerospace, defense, medical, and energy. Mr. Wetherbee has been a transformative figure at ATI, having held numerous leadership roles since joining the company in 2010.
He was appointed president and CEO of ATI in January 2019, later assuming the role of board chair in May 2021. Most recently, in July 2024, he transitioned into the position of executive chairman, a role in which he continues to provide strategic direction and oversight for the organization.
Throughout his tenure at ATI, Mr. Wetherbee was instrumental in repositioning the company to focus on high-value, high-performance materials used in mission-critical industries. His leadership has been credited with driving innovation, operational excellence, and shareholder value, while also strengthening ATI’s presence in the global market.
Prior to his tenure at ATI, Mr. Wetherbee held several key leadership roles at Alcoa Inc., a leading aluminum producer. Over his 29-year career at Alcoa, he contributed significantly to the company’s operations, business development, and strategic initiatives across various business units. His expertise includes operations management, strategic planning, international business, and corporate governance—skills that will serve him well in his new role at GATX.
In addition to his roles at ATI and Alcoa, Mr. Wetherbee also served in executive positions at Minerals Technologies, Inc. and Metalspectrum.com, a pioneering industry-led e-commerce platform focused on the metals supply chain.
Board and Governance Experience
Beyond his executive leadership credentials, Mr. Wetherbee brings a strong background in corporate governance and board oversight. He currently sits on the board of directors of Commercial Metals Company, a global manufacturer and recycler of steel and metal products. In September 2024, he was named chair of that board, further solidifying his reputation as a seasoned and respected corporate leader.
His broad experience in guiding publicly traded companies through complex market environments and dynamic regulatory landscapes adds considerable strength to GATX’s board. His proven ability to navigate both operational and strategic challenges, coupled with a strong understanding of risk management, financial controls, and compensation frameworks, makes him well-suited to contribute meaningfully to both the Audit and Compensation Committees.
Mr. Wetherbee holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial administration with an emphasis in accounting from Iowa State University. This educational foundation has supported his extensive career in financial oversight and business leadership, particularly in sectors characterized by technical complexity and global competition.
Leadership Perspectives from GATX
“We are pleased to welcome Bob to GATX’s board of directors,” said Robert C. Lyons, president and chief executive officer of GATX Corporation. “Bob is a proven leader in the specialty materials and metals industries, with a deep understanding of industrial and commercial markets, including critical segments such as aerospace and defense. His insights will be invaluable as GATX continues to pursue its global growth strategy across key sectors including railcar leasing, aircraft spare engine leasing, and tank container leasing.”
Lyons emphasized that the addition of Mr. Wetherbee aligns with GATX’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team and enhancing the diversity of expertise and experience on its board. “As we expand our international presence and diversify our asset base, having a director like Bob—with his blend of strategic vision and operational expertise—will be a tremendous asset,” he added.
James B. Ream, chair of the GATX board of directors, echoed those sentiments. “Bob is an excellent addition to our group of independent directors,” Ream said. “His 40-plus years of experience, particularly in high-performance materials and global industrial markets, will add a unique and valuable perspective to our board discussions. We look forward to his contributions as we guide the company through its next phase of growth and innovation.”
GATX’s Evolving Board and Strategic Direction
The addition of Mr. Wetherbee marks another step in GATX’s ongoing evolution as a company committed to innovation, sustainability, and global leadership in the asset leasing industry. With a growing portfolio that includes long-standing railcar operations in North America and Europe, an expanding presence in the aircraft spare engine leasing business (through its affiliate Rolls-Royce & Partners Finance), and growing investments in tank container leasing, GATX is strategically positioned for long-term success.
The company’s ability to generate consistent financial performance and create shareholder value is strongly influenced by the quality and depth of its board. By bringing on directors with sector-specific knowledge and governance expertise, GATX ensures that it remains agile and responsive to changing market dynamics, regulatory demands, and customer needs.
With eight out of nine board members now serving as independent directors, GATX continues to uphold high standards of transparency, accountability, and corporate responsibility. The company views strong corporate governance as a key driver of sustainable growth and stakeholder confidence.
As GATX navigates a complex and competitive global environment, the leadership and guidance of experienced professionals like Robert S. Wetherbee will play a critical role. His ability to understand macroeconomic trends, foster operational efficiency, and lead organizational transformation makes him uniquely qualified to contribute to GATX’s continued momentum.
Whether supporting strategic investments, evaluating risk, guiding executive compensation policies, or ensuring sound financial practices, Mr. Wetherbee’s contributions will support GATX’s mission to deliver superior long-term returns to shareholders while advancing innovation in asset leasing.
His addition underscores GATX’s dedication to proactive board management and to ensuring that its leadership reflects the expertise required to meet the demands of today’s dynamic marketplace.