BAE Systems Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

BAE Systems has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, engineering, and human resources.

Committed to advancing global security through cutting-edge technology, BAE Systems delivers integrated defense solutions and aerospace innovation to government and commercial partners worldwide while maintaining a focus on long-term engineering excellence and operational resilience.

Leadership Roles at BAE Systems

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Tom Arseneault
  • Chief Financial Officer - Laila Groves
  • Chief Operating Officer - Darren Kirkby
  • Chief of Staff - Dela Allorbi
  • Vice President, Engineering & Chief Technology Officer - Bruce Hartmann
  • Chief Technology Officer, Modeling & Simulation Solutions, Bae Systems - Nandish Mattikalli
  • Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer - Alison Murafsky
  • Chief Technology Officer, Integrated Defense Solutions - Steven Geary
  • Defense Software Chief of Staff (US) - Chad Ohira
  • Operations Chief of Staff - Nicole Beale
  • Tom Arseneault - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Tom Arseneault, the President & Chief Executive Officer at BAE Systems, directs the overarching strategic vision for the multinational aerospace and defense organization. Overseeing the entire portfolio of military aircraft, naval platforms, and electronic solutions, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between complex engineering capabilities and the evolving requirements of global government customers. This leadership role involves managing high-stakes international programs while driving innovation across all business units. By prioritizing long-term support and lifecycle management, Tom Arseneault secures the company's market position as a premier provider of advanced security technologies. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous oversight of corporate governance and operational efficiency, ensuring that the organization addresses critical security challenges with precision. Ultimately, Arseneault fosters a culture of technical excellence that sustains the company's competitive advantage in the global defense sector.
    Tom Arseneault

    Laila Groves - Chief Financial Officer

    Laila Groves, the Chief Financial Officer at BAE Systems, directs the financial strategy and capital allocation for the multinational aerospace and defense firm. Overseeing fiscal planning, risk management, and investor relations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the financial health required to sustain long-term innovation in electronic and cyber solutions. This role involves monitoring the economic performance of major international programs and providing the financial oversight necessary for complex engineering projects. By maintaining a robust balance sheet, Laila Groves supports the company's ability to invest in advanced technologies and integrated security services. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to align financial goals with the broader mission of delivering high-value defense capabilities. Through disciplined cost management and strategic resource distribution, the Chief Financial Officer secures the company's growth trajectory. Ultimately, Groves provides the financial stability needed to address complex security challenges across global markets.
    Laila Groves

    Darren Kirkby - Chief Operating Officer

    Darren Kirkby, the Chief Operating Officer at BAE Systems, manages the execution of large-scale manufacturing and service delivery across the company's diverse portfolio. Overseeing the production of land systems and naval platforms, the Chief Operating Officer drives operational excellence to meet the rigorous demands of global defense contracts. This role involves optimizing supply chain logistics and engineering workflows to ensure the timely delivery of advanced technologies. By implementing lean manufacturing principles, Darren Kirkby enhances the efficiency of operations across key international markets. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with technical teams to integrate security solutions into existing product lifecycles, maintaining high standards of quality and reliability. Through the management of complex industrial assets, the Chief Operating Officer supports the company's commitment to addressing critical security challenges. Ultimately, Kirkby ensures that the organization maintains the necessary capacity to support government customers worldwide.
    Darren Kirkby

    Dela Allorbi - Chief of Staff

    Dela Allorbi, the Chief of Staff at BAE Systems, coordinates executive workflows and facilitates communication across the senior leadership team. Managing the flow of information between departments, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic initiatives receive proper attention and resources. This role involves streamlining decision-making processes to support the company's mission of providing advanced defense and security technologies. By aligning internal operations with the broader corporate agenda, Dela Allorbi optimizes the efficiency of the executive office. The Chief of Staff monitors progress on key international programs, ensuring that cross-functional teams remain focused on delivering integrated solutions to government customers. Through meticulous planning and organizational oversight, the Chief of Staff supports the execution of complex projects across global markets. Ultimately, Allorbi strengthens the operational backbone of the organization, enabling the leadership team to address complex security challenges with agility and focus.

    Bruce Hartmann - Vice President, Engineering & Chief Technology Officer

    Bruce Hartmann, the Vice President, Engineering & Chief Technology Officer at BAE Systems, architects the technical roadmap and engineering standards for the organization. Overseeing the development of next-generation military aircraft and electronic systems, the Vice President, Engineering & Chief Technology Officer drives innovation across the entire product portfolio. This role involves leading research and development initiatives to ensure the company remains at the forefront of aerospace and security technology. By fostering collaboration between engineering teams, Bruce Hartmann ensures that integrated solutions meet the sophisticated requirements of government customers. The Vice President, Engineering & Chief Technology Officer manages the technical lifecycle of products, from initial design to long-term support. Through the application of advanced engineering capabilities, the Vice President, Engineering & Chief Technology Officer addresses complex security challenges with cutting-edge solutions. Ultimately, Hartmann maintains the technical integrity and competitive edge of the company's global offerings.

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

    Nandish Mattikalli, the Chief Technology Officer, Modeling & Simulation Solutions, Bae Systems at BAE Systems, leads the development of advanced digital environments for defense applications. Overseeing the creation of sophisticated modeling tools, the Chief Technology Officer, Modeling & Simulation Solutions, Bae Systems enables the testing and validation of complex weapons and electronic systems before physical deployment. This role involves integrating simulation technology into the broader engineering lifecycle to reduce development risks and enhance product performance. By driving innovation in virtual prototyping, Nandish Mattikalli supports the company's mission to provide reliable security solutions to government partners. The Chief Technology Officer, Modeling & Simulation Solutions, Bae Systems collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure that simulation capabilities align with the evolving needs of global defense programs. Through the application of high-fidelity modeling, the Chief Technology Officer, Modeling & Simulation Solutions, Bae Systems improves operational readiness. Ultimately, Mattikalli advances the company's technical capabilities in the digital domain.

    Alison Murafsky - Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer

    Alison Murafsky, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer at BAE Systems, manages the administrative operations and strategic scheduling for the human resources leadership. Overseeing the coordination of talent management initiatives and organizational development programs, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the HR function supports the company's global workforce. This role involves facilitating communication between the HR department and other executive functions to align personnel strategies with business objectives. By streamlining the workflow of the Chief Human Resources Officer, Alison Murafsky enables the effective implementation of policies related to engineering capability and innovation. The Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer monitors the progress of key human capital projects, ensuring that the organization attracts and retains the talent necessary to address complex security challenges. Through diligent administrative support, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the internal culture. Ultimately, Murafsky supports the human resources leadership in building a resilient workforce.

    Steven Geary - Chief Technology Officer, Integrated Defense Solutions

    Steven Geary, the Chief Technology Officer, Integrated Defense Solutions at BAE Systems, directs the technical strategy for the company's integrated defense portfolio. Overseeing the development of land systems and security solutions, the Chief Technology Officer, Integrated Defense Solutions ensures that all products meet the rigorous standards of government customers. This role involves identifying emerging technologies that can be integrated into existing platforms to enhance performance and security. By leading technical teams in the design of complex defense systems, Steven Geary drives the company's commitment to engineering excellence. The Chief Technology Officer, Integrated Defense Solutions collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align technical roadmaps with the broader corporate mission. Through the application of advanced security solutions, the Chief Technology Officer, Integrated Defense Solutions addresses critical challenges in the global defense sector. Ultimately, Geary ensures that the organization delivers high-impact technology that supports the lifecycle of its products.

    Chad Ohira - Defense Software Chief of Staff (US)

    Chad Ohira, the Defense Software Chief of Staff (US) at BAE Systems, coordinates the operational activities of the software development teams within the North American market. Overseeing the integration of cyber solutions and software-defined defense systems, the Defense Software Chief of Staff (US) ensures that technical projects align with the company's strategic goals. This role involves managing the internal processes that support the rapid development and deployment of secure software for government customers. By facilitating communication between software engineers and program managers, Chad Ohira optimizes the delivery of critical defense technologies. The Defense Software Chief of Staff (US) monitors the progress of software-centric initiatives, ensuring that they meet the high standards of reliability required for security applications. Through the management of software operations, the Defense Software Chief of Staff (US) supports the company's commitment to innovation. Ultimately, Ohira strengthens the software capabilities that underpin the organization's defense solutions.

    Nicole Beale - Operations Chief of Staff

    Nicole Beale, the Operations Chief of Staff at BAE Systems, manages the operational workflows and cross-functional coordination for the company's manufacturing and service divisions. Overseeing the implementation of operational policies, the Operations Chief of Staff ensures that production facilities maintain the efficiency required to support global defense programs. This role involves streamlining the communication between operational teams and the executive leadership to ensure that strategic objectives are met. By monitoring the performance of key industrial assets, Nicole Beale supports the company's commitment to delivering high-quality aerospace and security solutions. The Operations Chief of Staff facilitates the integration of new processes into existing manufacturing workflows, enhancing the company's ability to address complex security challenges. Through the management of operational data and project timelines, the Operations Chief of Staff ensures that the organization remains agile. Ultimately, Beale optimizes the operational infrastructure that sustains the company's market position.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding BAE Systems Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads BAE Systems?
    BAE Systems is led by Tom Arseneault (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Laila Groves (Chief Financial Officer) and Darren Kirkby (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of BAE Systems’s executive team?
    The executive team of BAE Systems includes leaders such as Tom Arseneault (President & Chief Executive Officer), Laila Groves (Chief Financial Officer), Darren Kirkby (Chief Operating Officer) 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 President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Vice President, Engineering & Chief Technology Officer.