BAE Systems Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

BAE Systems has 12 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, and regional leadership.

Driven by innovation, BAE Systems provides advanced technologies and services across aerospace, defense, and security, enabling it to address complex global security challenges and deliver long-term support.

Leadership Roles at BAE Systems

  • Chief Executive Officer - Craig Lockhart
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Thomas Arseneault
  • Chief of Staff for the President & Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems, Inc. - Harshit Patel
  • Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems Arabian Industries - Abdulatif Alshaikh
  • Chief Operating Officer - Darren Kirkby
  • Chief of Staff - Jason Barger
  • Hardware Engineering Chief of Staff - Liz Turner
  • Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer - Alison Murafsky
  • Chief Technology Officer, Modeling & Simulation Solutions, Bae Systems - Nandish Mattikalli
  • P & S CMS Chief of Staff - Rhonda Baker
  • Craig Lockhart - Chief Executive Officer

    Craig Lockhart, the Chief Executive Officer at BAE Systems, directs the overarching strategy and global operations of the multinational company. Lockhart's leadership focuses on advancing the company's position in aerospace, defense, and security sectors, ensuring the delivery of cutting-edge technologies and services to government and commercial clients worldwide. This executive guides the development and support of a comprehensive portfolio, including military aircraft, naval platforms, land systems, and electronic and cyber solutions. Lockhart actively participates in major international programs, leveraging BAE Systems' engineering capability and integrated solutions to tackle complex security challenges. The Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes fostering innovation and ensuring long-term product and service lifecycle support across key global markets. By driving strategic initiatives, Lockhart maintains BAE Systems' commitment to engineering excellence and market leadership. The executive's vision shapes the company's response to evolving defense and security landscapes, solidifying its role as a key global partner.
    Craig Lockhart

    Thomas Arseneault - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Thomas Arseneault, the President & Chief Executive Officer at BAE Systems, leads the strategic direction and operational execution for BAE Systems, Inc. Arseneault's responsibilities encompass driving growth and innovation across the company's advanced technologies and services in aerospace, defense, and security. This executive oversees the development and deployment of critical defense systems, including military aircraft, naval platforms, and land systems, ensuring they meet the rigorous demands of government and commercial customers globally. Arseneault champions the company's commitment to engineering excellence and integrated solutions, enabling BAE Systems to address complex security challenges effectively. The President & Chief Executive Officer plays a pivotal role in managing major international programs and fostering strategic partnerships. By focusing on innovation and long-term support, Thomas Arseneault ensures BAE Systems maintains its competitive edge and delivers sustained value across the product lifecycle. The executive's leadership is central to navigating the evolving global security landscape and reinforcing the company's market presence.
    Thomas Arseneault

    Harshit Patel - Chief of Staff for the President & Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems, Inc.

    Harshit Patel, the Chief of Staff for the President & Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems, Inc., provides strategic and operational support to the leadership of BAE Systems' U.S. operations. Patel facilitates the execution of key initiatives, ensuring alignment with the company's mission in aerospace, defense, and security within the North American market. This role involves managing critical projects, enhancing executive decision-making, and coordinating cross-functional efforts to drive innovation and growth. Patel works closely with various departments to advance the company's technological capabilities and services for government and commercial clients. The Chief of Staff plays an integral part in managing strategic programs and ensuring the efficient operation of BAE Systems, Inc.'s diverse portfolio. By optimizing internal processes and fostering collaboration, Harshit Patel contributes to the company's commitment to delivering advanced solutions and long-term support. This executive's efforts are crucial for maintaining operational momentum and addressing complex security challenges in the U.S. market.

    Abdulatif Alshaikh - Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems Arabian Industries

    Abdulatif Alshaikh, the Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems Arabian Industries, leads the strategic direction and operational management of BAE Systems' joint venture in the Middle East. Alshaikh focuses on expanding the company's presence and capabilities in the region's defense and security sectors, providing advanced technologies and services to local and international clients. This executive oversees the development and support of a broad portfolio tailored to regional needs, including land systems and electronic solutions. Alshaikh plays a pivotal role in fostering strong partnerships and ensuring alignment with BAE Systems' global strategy while addressing specific market demands. The Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence and innovation within BAE Systems Arabian Industries, contributing to complex regional security initiatives. By leveraging local expertise and global resources, Abdulatif Alshaikh ensures the delivery of integrated solutions and long-term support across product lifecycles in the Arabian Peninsula.

    Darren Kirkby - Chief Operating Officer

    Darren Kirkby, the Chief Operating Officer at BAE Systems, directs the day-to-day operational activities and ensures the efficient execution of the company's broad portfolio. Kirkby's oversight extends across the development and support of military aircraft, naval platforms, land systems, and advanced electronic and cyber solutions. This executive focuses on optimizing production processes, supply chain management, and operational efficiency to support BAE Systems' global defense and security initiatives. Kirkby collaborates with various business units to integrate advanced technologies and engineering capabilities, ensuring seamless delivery of complex solutions to government and commercial clients. The Chief Operating Officer plays a critical role in managing large-scale international programs and driving operational excellence across key global markets. By implementing robust operational frameworks, Darren Kirkby supports the company's commitment to innovation and long-term product lifecycle management. This leadership ensures that BAE Systems consistently meets its commitments and addresses evolving security challenges with agility and precision.
    Darren Kirkby

    Jason Barger - Chief of Staff

    Jason Barger, the Chief of Staff at BAE Systems, provides strategic support and operational coordination across key executive functions. Barger facilitates the execution of company-wide initiatives, ensuring alignment with BAE Systems' mission in aerospace, defense, and security. This role involves managing critical projects, streamlining communication channels, and enhancing the effectiveness of leadership decision-making processes. Barger works closely with various departments to drive forward the company's advanced technologies and services, supporting government and commercial customers worldwide. The Chief of Staff plays an integral part in coordinating efforts related to major international programs and ensuring the efficient operation of BAE Systems' diverse portfolio. By optimizing internal processes and fostering collaboration, Jason Barger contributes to the company's commitment to innovation and long-term support across its product and service lifecycles. This executive's efforts are crucial for maintaining operational momentum and addressing complex security challenges.

    Liz Turner - Hardware Engineering Chief of Staff

    Liz Turner, the Hardware Engineering Chief of Staff at BAE Systems, directs strategic initiatives and operational support within the hardware engineering domain. Turner ensures the efficient development and integration of advanced hardware solutions for the company's aerospace, defense, and security products. This executive focuses on optimizing engineering processes, resource allocation, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance the delivery of cutting-edge technologies. Turner plays a key role in supporting major engineering programs, ensuring alignment with BAE Systems' commitment to innovation and technical excellence. The Hardware Engineering Chief of Staff works to streamline project execution and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the engineering teams. By managing critical operational aspects, Liz Turner contributes to the robust lifecycle support of BAE Systems' complex platforms and systems. This leadership ensures the high quality and reliability of hardware components essential for addressing global security challenges.

    Alison Murafsky - Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer

    Alison Murafsky, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer at BAE Systems, provides critical administrative and operational support to the Chief Human Resources Officer. Murafsky manages key HR initiatives, ensuring seamless execution of strategies related to talent management, employee development, and organizational effectiveness across BAE Systems. This role involves coordinating executive communications, facilitating meetings, and supporting the implementation of HR policies that align with the company's defense and security objectives. Murafsky plays an important part in maintaining efficient HR operations, contributing to a productive work environment that supports innovation and engineering excellence. The Executive Assistant ensures that HR functions effectively support BAE Systems' global workforce and its commitment to delivering advanced technologies and services. By managing essential administrative tasks, Alison Murafsky enables the HR leadership to focus on strategic priorities and the long-term success of the company.

    Nandish Mattikalli - Chief Technology Officer, Modeling & Simulation Solutions, Bae Systems

    Nandish Mattikalli, the Chief Technology Officer, Modeling & Simulation Solutions, Bae Systems, drives technological innovation and strategy for the company's modeling and simulation capabilities. Mattikalli leads the development of advanced simulation solutions that enhance BAE Systems' offerings in aerospace, defense, and security. This executive focuses on pioneering new technologies and methodologies to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of training, design, and operational planning for government and commercial clients. Mattikalli plays a critical role in advancing the company's technical expertise, ensuring BAE Systems remains at the forefront of simulation technology. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with engineering teams to integrate cutting-edge solutions across various platforms and programs. By championing technological advancement, Nandish Mattikalli contributes to BAE Systems' commitment to delivering superior integrated solutions and addressing complex security challenges through sophisticated modeling and simulation.
    Nandish Mattikalli

    Rhonda Baker - P & S CMS Chief of Staff

    Rhonda Baker, the P & S CMS Chief of Staff at BAE Systems, provides essential operational and strategic support within the Platforms & Services (P&S) Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Mission Systems (CMS) division. Baker facilitates the execution of key initiatives and ensures efficient coordination across various functions within this critical business area. This role involves managing projects, streamlining communication, and enhancing the effectiveness of leadership decision-making to support BAE Systems' defense and security objectives. Baker works closely with teams to advance the company's technological capabilities and services, contributing to the delivery of integrated solutions for government clients. The P & S CMS Chief of Staff plays an integral part in optimizing operations and fostering collaboration to support innovation and long-term program success. By managing essential administrative and strategic tasks, Rhonda Baker contributes to the robust delivery of advanced systems and the company's commitment to addressing complex security challenges.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding BAE Systems Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads BAE Systems?
    BAE Systems is led by Craig Lockhart (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Thomas Arseneault (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Harshit Patel (Chief of Staff for the President & Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems, Inc.).
    Who is part of BAE Systems’s executive team?
    The executive team of BAE Systems includes leaders such as Craig Lockhart (Chief Executive Officer), Thomas Arseneault (President & Chief Executive Officer), Harshit Patel (Chief of Staff for the President & Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems, Inc.) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does BAE Systems have?
    BAE Systems has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in BAE Systems’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of BAE Systems includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff for the President & Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems, Inc., Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems Arabian Industries, Chief Operating Officer.