Alcoa Names New CEO in Abrupt Change as Harvey Exits (2)

Alcoa Inc. named William F. Oplingeras chief executive officer, replacing Roy C. Harvey, who has led the largest US aluminum producer since its split from Arconic Corp.

Chief Operations Officer Oplinger, 56, is a natural successor — he was chief financial officer when Harvey took over as CEO and the two have worked closely together for years. Harvey, 49, will also serve as strategic adviser to the new CEO until the end of the year.

Still, the timing of the announcement was sudden. The board decided on Sunday that Harvey would immediately cease to serve as president and ...