Special Metals Corp. is a world leader in the invention, production and supply of high-performance alloys used in the aerospace, chemical, oil and gas industries.

Prior to his affiliation with Special Metals Corp., Mr. Watts was chief financial officer and senior vice president of Breed Technologies in Lakeland, Fla., (now Key Safety Systems) and at Amcast Industrial Corp. in Dayton, Ohio, both multi-billion-dollar manufacturing companies supplying automotive parts to companies such as Ford, Chrysler, General Motors, Mercedes Benz, Fiat and Ferrari. Mr. Watts specialized in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures at both companies. His extensive work with Italian automotive companies, including his leadership of the acquisition team for Italian wheelmaker Speedline, also enabled him to become fluent in Italian.

Mr. Watts held similar positions with General Cable Corp. in Highland Heights, Kentucky, and LCP Chemicals and Plastics in Edison, N.J. He began his career with Honeywell in New Jersey.

A longtime member of Financial Executives International and Turn Around Management Association, Mr. Watts volunteers with the Florida House Learning Center, a project that teaches environmentally friendly practices for the home and landscape, and is treasurer of the Serenoa Lakes Community Association.

Mr. Watts holds a bachelor's degree in Industrial Administration from the University of New Haven and a master's degree in Finance from Cornell University.

Mr. Watts lives with his wife, Melba Watts, in Sarasota, Fla., where he indulges his passion for travel and the restoration and modification of automobiles of the 1950s and the 1960s. Mrs. Watts, a certified master gardener, is a volunteer with the University of Florida/Sarasota County Extension Service, committed to educating the public in environmentally sound landscape practices. She holds degrees from Quinnipiac University and Centenary College.

The couple have two children and one grandson.