CMC appoints Kenji Hashimoto as CFO successor to Paul Lawrence

US steel producer Commercial Metals Company (CMC) has announced a change in its financial leadership. Kenji Hashimoto will join the company as Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Financial Officer on November 16, 2026, ahead of the planned retirement of current CFO Paul Lawrence.

Hashimoto is expected to assume the Chief Financial Officer position on January 15, 2027. Lawrence, who has held the role since 2019, will remain with the company as Special Advisor to CEO Peter Matt until June 30, 2027, to support the transition.

The succession plan was announced on November 10 as CMC continues implementing its long-term business strategy and pursuing financial and operational targets through 2029.

Extensive experience in finance and industrial operations

Hashimoto joins CMC with a background in financial management, infrastructure investment and operational transformation.

Most recently, he served as Managing Director and Business Improvement Sector Leader at Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).

Before joining GIP, Hashimoto spent two years at Amazon as Vice President of North America Sort Centers and Surface Transportation.

Earlier in his career, he worked for American Airlines for 22 years, holding positions in operations, commercial management, strategic planning and finance. His final role at the airline was Senior Vice President of Finance and Corporate Development.

CMC CEO Peter Matt welcomed the appointment, emphasising Hashimoto's financial expertise and experience in managing organisational change.

“I am excited to welcome Kenji to CMC and the executive leadership team,” Matt said.

Leadership transition supports long-term strategy

Outgoing CFO Paul Lawrence has overseen CMC's financial operations since 2019, a period during which the company strengthened its balance sheet and expanded its activities.

Matt acknowledged Lawrence's contribution to the company's financial development, particularly his role in establishing a solid financial foundation for future investments.

The planned leadership change comes as CMC works towards the objectives presented at its 2026 Investor Day, including longer-term targets extending to 2029.

CMC, headquartered in Irving, Texas, is one of the largest US producers of steel reinforcing bar and also supplies foundation engineering solutions, concrete pipes and precast concrete products.

Its manufacturing network is concentrated in the United States and Central Europe, with additional operations in the United Kingdom, other European markets and Asia.

The company serves infrastructure, commercial and residential construction, industrial and energy markets.

Source and Photo: CMC