KENNAMETAL INC 8-K

What Happened
Kennametal Inc. announced on June 30, 2026 (8-K filing) that Amanda Cole will join the company as Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer effective July 21, 2026. Ms. Cole, age 46, will report to President & CEO Sanjay Chowbey and succeeds Judith Bacchus, who will remain Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer through her planned retirement on or about October 1, 2026. Ms. Cole joins from Wesco International, where she held senior HR roles since 2006.

Key Details

• Compensation: Annual base salary of $375,000 and a one-time sign-on cash bonus of $58,000 (repayable if she voluntarily leaves within one year).
• Long-term incentives: Special RSU grant of $300,000 on Aug 1, 2026 ( $200,000 cliff vests at 2 years; $100,000 cliff vests at 3 years). Ongoing target long-term incentive starting FY2027 of $375,000 (40% RSUs, 60% PSUs).
• Bonus & benefits: Participation in Annual Incentive Plan with a FY2027 target bonus of 50% of base salary (up to 200% of target) and standard employee and executive benefits.
• Employment terms & protections: Employment and indemnification agreements to be executed; severance of 12 months’ pay if involuntarily terminated (not for cause) with Board authorization; change‑in‑control severance equals 2x base salary plus 2x target bonus. Non‑compete and confidentiality, assignment of inventions, and at‑will termination provisions included.

Why It Matters
This filing signals a planned senior HR leadership transition at Kennametal with identifiable near‑term costs (sign‑on bonus and special RSU grant) and potential future compensation expense tied to long‑term incentives and severance/change‑in‑control protections. Investors should note the CEO reporting line (Ms. Cole reports to CEO Sanjay Chowbey) and the scheduled retirement of a long‑time executive, which may affect continuity in human capital and succession planning. A company press release announcing the appointment and retirement was attached to the 8‑K.