ATS Corporation announced the appointment of Doug Wright as its new chief executive officer, effective before January 14, 2026. Wright succeeds interim CEO Ryan McLeod and will also join the board. The move follows a comprehensive board search and aligns with ATS’s long‑term value‑creation thesis.
Wright brings a track record of growth and margin expansion from his previous roles as president and CEO of Indicor and as president and CEO of Honeywell International’s Building Technologies division. His experience in scaling high‑margin businesses and executing value‑accretive acquisitions is expected to accelerate ATS’s transition away from the cyclical transportation segment toward higher‑margin Life Sciences and Energy verticals.
ATS’s recent financial results illustrate the context for the leadership change. In the third quarter of fiscal 2025, transportation revenue fell 27.5% year‑over‑year, while Life Sciences and Food & Beverage grew 6% and 8% respectively. The company’s gross margin improved to 29% from 28% in the prior year, driven by a more favorable product mix and disciplined cost management.
CEO‑in‑waiting Ryan McLeod will return to his CFO role, providing continuity in financial stewardship. McLeod’s tenure as interim CEO in 2025 gave him intimate knowledge of ATS’s operational challenges, particularly the settlement with a major electric‑vehicle customer that cleared a significant liability and improved working‑capital flexibility.
Board Chair Michael Martino welcomed Wright, noting that his global experience and customer‑centric approach fit the ATS Business Model, which emphasizes operational excellence, continuous improvement, and empowerment of local teams. Martino said the appointment signals confidence that ATS can sustain growth in its high‑margin segments while managing the cyclical nature of transportation.
The appointment underscores ATS’s strategic pivot. By placing a leader with a proven record in high‑margin, technology‑driven businesses, ATS aims to deepen its footprint in Life Sciences and Energy, where demand for automation and precision manufacturing is accelerating, while maintaining disciplined execution in its legacy transportation operations.
The content on BeyondSPX is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.