BAE Systems Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

BAE Systems has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, engineering, and technology.

Driven by innovation, BAE Systems provides advanced aerospace, defense, and security technologies and services to government and commercial customers worldwide, addressing complex security challenges with engineering capability and integrated solutions.

Leadership Roles at BAE Systems

  • Chief Executive Officer - Craig Lockhart
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Tom Arseneault
  • Chief Operating Officer - Darren Kirkby
  • Chief of Staff - Kathleen Flath
  • Vice President, Engineering & Chief Technology Officer - Bruce Hartmann
  • IT Management, CSO Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer - Stewart Farnham
  • Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer - Alison Murafsky
  • Defense Software Chief of Staff (US) - Chad Ohira
  • Hardware Engineering Chief of Staff - Liz Turner
  • Chief Technology Officer, Intelligence Solutions - Donald Widener
  • Craig Lockhart - Chief Executive Officer

    Craig Lockhart, the Chief Executive Officer at BAE Systems, directs the overarching strategy and global operations of the multinational aerospace, defense, and security company. Lockhart's leadership focuses on driving innovation and engineering excellence across a broad portfolio, including military aircraft, naval platforms, land systems, and electronic and cyber solutions. This executive ensures BAE Systems effectively addresses complex security challenges for government and commercial clients worldwide. By fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders and guiding the company's participation in major international programs, Lockhart maintains BAE Systems' position as a leader in advanced technologies. The Chief Executive Officer's vision supports long-term growth and the delivery of integrated solutions across the product lifecycle. Craig Lockhart's executive oversight is critical to the company's market impact and sustained competitive advantage.
    Craig Lockhart

    Tom Arseneault - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Tom Arseneault, the President & Chief Executive Officer at BAE Systems, spearheads the strategic direction and operational execution for the company's extensive defense, aerospace, and security operations. Arseneault's leadership emphasizes the development and delivery of advanced technologies and integrated solutions to government and commercial entities globally. This executive guides the company's participation in critical international programs, ensuring BAE Systems maintains its edge in military aircraft, naval platforms, land systems, and electronic and cyber capabilities. By focusing on engineering prowess and innovation, Tom Arseneault drives the company's ability to tackle complex security challenges and provide comprehensive lifecycle support for its diverse product range. The President & Chief Executive Officer's strategic initiatives are vital for expanding market reach and reinforcing BAE Systems' commitment to technological advancement.
    Tom Arseneault

    Darren Kirkby - Chief Operating Officer

    Darren Kirkby, the Chief Operating Officer at BAE Systems, manages the day-to-day operational activities and ensures the efficient execution of the company's broad portfolio of aerospace, defense, and security solutions. Kirkby's responsibilities encompass optimizing production processes, supply chain management, and the delivery of advanced technologies to government and commercial clients worldwide. This executive oversees the integration of complex systems, including military aircraft, naval platforms, and land systems, ensuring they meet stringent performance and reliability standards. By driving operational excellence, Darren Kirkby supports BAE Systems' participation in major international programs and its ability to address evolving security challenges. The Chief Operating Officer's focus on efficiency and integrated solutions underpins the company's long-term support capabilities across the product lifecycle.
    Darren Kirkby

    Kathleen Flath - Chief of Staff

    Kathleen Flath, the Chief of Staff at BAE Systems, provides strategic support and operational coordination for executive leadership, facilitating the seamless execution of company-wide initiatives. Flath's role involves managing key projects, streamlining communication channels, and ensuring alignment across various departments within the aerospace, defense, and security sectors. This executive supports the development and implementation of advanced technologies and services for government and commercial customers globally. By enhancing organizational efficiency and driving strategic priorities, Kathleen Flath contributes to BAE Systems' ability to navigate complex security challenges and participate effectively in major international programs. The Chief of Staff's efforts are crucial for maintaining operational momentum and supporting the company's long-term objectives.

    Bruce Hartmann - Vice President, Engineering & Chief Technology Officer

    Bruce Hartmann, the Vice President, Engineering & Chief Technology Officer at BAE Systems, directs the company's technological vision and engineering capabilities across its aerospace, defense, and security divisions. Hartmann leads the research, development, and implementation of advanced technologies, ensuring BAE Systems remains at the forefront of innovation in areas such as military aircraft, naval platforms, and electronic systems. This executive oversees the engineering teams responsible for creating cutting-edge solutions for government and commercial clients worldwide, driving the development of integrated systems that address complex security challenges. By fostering a culture of technical excellence, Bruce Hartmann ensures the company's products and services meet the highest standards of performance and reliability, supporting participation in major international programs and long-term product lifecycle management.

    Stewart Farnham - IT Management, CSO Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer

    Stewart Farnham, the IT Management, CSO Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer at BAE Systems, oversees the strategic direction and operational management of the company's information technology infrastructure and cybersecurity initiatives. Farnham is responsible for implementing advanced technological solutions that support BAE Systems' global operations in aerospace, defense, and security, ensuring robust data management and system integrity for government and commercial clients. This executive drives the integration of IT systems to enhance efficiency, security, and innovation across the company's diverse portfolio, including land systems and electronic warfare capabilities. By safeguarding critical information assets and leveraging technology for strategic advantage, Stewart Farnham plays a pivotal role in enabling BAE Systems to address complex security challenges and maintain its competitive edge in major international programs.

    Alison Murafsky - Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer

    Alison Murafsky, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer at BAE Systems, provides comprehensive administrative and operational support to the Chief Human Resources Officer, facilitating the effective management of the company's workforce strategies. Murafsky's role involves coordinating human resources initiatives, managing executive schedules, and ensuring smooth communication across departments to support BAE Systems' global operations in aerospace, defense, and security. This executive assists in the implementation of programs designed to attract, develop, and retain talent, crucial for maintaining the company's engineering capability and innovation in advanced technologies. By streamlining HR processes and supporting key personnel functions, Alison Murafsky contributes to the overall effectiveness of the human capital management critical for addressing complex security challenges and supporting BAE Systems' long-term objectives.

    Chad Ohira - Defense Software Chief of Staff (US)

    Chad Ohira, the Defense Software Chief of Staff (US) at BAE Systems, directs strategic initiatives and operational coordination within the company's defense software division in the United States. Ohira's responsibilities include enhancing the development and deployment of advanced software solutions for defense applications, ensuring alignment with BAE Systems' broader aerospace, defense, and security objectives. This executive supports the integration of cutting-edge technologies and services for government clients, focusing on robust cybersecurity and electronic systems. By optimizing project execution and fostering collaboration among engineering teams, Chad Ohira contributes to the company's ability to address complex security challenges and deliver high-performance software capabilities. The Defense Software Chief of Staff's focus is critical for maintaining technological superiority and supporting BAE Systems' strategic programs.

    Liz Turner - Hardware Engineering Chief of Staff

    Liz Turner, the Hardware Engineering Chief of Staff at BAE Systems, provides critical operational and strategic support to the hardware engineering leadership, ensuring the efficient execution of complex projects. Turner's role involves coordinating efforts across various hardware development teams, managing project timelines, and facilitating communication to drive innovation in BAE Systems' aerospace, defense, and security products. This executive supports the design and implementation of advanced hardware solutions for military platforms, naval systems, and land-based technologies, ensuring they meet rigorous performance and reliability standards. By optimizing engineering workflows and fostering cross-functional collaboration, Liz Turner contributes to the company's ability to deliver integrated solutions and address demanding security challenges. The Hardware Engineering Chief of Staff's efforts are vital for maintaining technological advancement and supporting BAE Systems' global programs.

    Donald Widener - Chief Technology Officer, Intelligence Solutions

    Donald Widener, the Chief Technology Officer, Intelligence Solutions at BAE Systems, leads the technological innovation and development for the company's intelligence-focused offerings. Widener directs the creation of advanced systems and services that provide critical insights and operational advantages to government and commercial clients worldwide. This executive oversees the integration of cutting-edge technologies, including data analytics, cyber capabilities, and electronic warfare solutions, to address complex security challenges within the intelligence domain. By driving research and development efforts, Donald Widener ensures BAE Systems remains at the forefront of intelligence technology, supporting its participation in key defense and security programs. The Chief Technology Officer's strategic vision is essential for delivering sophisticated, reliable solutions across the intelligence lifecycle.
    Donald Widener

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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 Tom Arseneault (President & Chief Executive 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 Craig Lockhart (Chief Executive Officer), Tom Arseneault (President & Chief Executive 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 Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Vice President, Engineering & Chief Technology Officer.