Hexcel Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hexcel has 5 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, technological innovation, financial management, legal compliance, and global fiber production.

Focused on advancing high-performance composite materials, Hexcel delivers critical structural solutions for the global aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors through continuous material science innovation.

Leadership Roles at Hexcel

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Tom Gentile
  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - James Coogan
  • Global Fibers President (Americas) - Lyndon Smith
  • Chief Technology Officer - Robert Kody
  • Chief Legal Officer & Chief Sustainability Officer - Gail Lehman
  • Tom Gentile - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Tom Gentile, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Hexcel, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Gentile oversees the development and manufacturing of advanced carbon fibers and honeycomb structures, ensuring alignment with the rigorous demands of commercial aerospace and defense markets. By coordinating with the Board and senior leadership, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence across all global segments. This leadership role involves scaling production capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the wind energy and transportation sectors. Through the implementation of long-term growth initiatives, Tom Gentile strengthens the market position of the company. Ultimately, Gentile secures the competitive advantage of the firm by fostering a culture of technical precision and operational efficiency across all international manufacturing facilities.
    Tom Gentile

    James Coogan - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    James Coogan, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Hexcel, manages the financial health and capital allocation strategies of the corporation. Coogan oversees global financial reporting, treasury operations, and investor relations, ensuring fiscal discipline across the Composite Materials and Engineered Products segments. By analyzing market trends and operational costs, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer provides the data-driven insights necessary for informed decision-making at the executive level. This role involves optimizing the balance sheet to support ongoing investments in manufacturing infrastructure and research initiatives. James Coogan drives the financial planning processes that enable the company to navigate complex global supply chains and economic fluctuations. Through prudent risk management and strategic resource distribution, Coogan ensures the long-term financial stability and growth of the enterprise.
    James Coogan

    Lyndon Smith - Global Fibers President (Americas)

    Lyndon Smith, the Global Fibers President (Americas) at Hexcel, directs the production and market expansion of carbon fiber products throughout the Western Hemisphere. Smith oversees the manufacturing facilities and supply chain logistics that support the high-volume requirements of the aerospace and industrial sectors. By coordinating with regional sales teams, the Global Fibers President (Americas) ensures that structural reinforcements and specialty fabrics meet the specific technical requirements of local clients. This role involves optimizing production efficiency to maintain a competitive edge in the Americas market. Lyndon Smith drives the implementation of advanced manufacturing techniques to improve the quality and consistency of fiber-reinforced matrix materials. Through the management of regional operations, Smith supports the broader corporate mission of delivering high-performance composite solutions to critical defense and commercial customers.

    Robert Kody - Chief Technology Officer

    Robert Kody, the Chief Technology Officer at Hexcel, architects the research and development roadmap for advanced composite materials. Kody manages the engineering teams responsible for creating resins, structural adhesives, and high-performance matrix materials. By integrating cutting-edge material science into the product portfolio, the Chief Technology Officer ensures the company remains at the forefront of aerospace and industrial innovation. This role involves collaborating with manufacturing leads to transition new technologies from laboratory settings to full-scale production. Robert Kody drives the development of next-generation thermoplastics and dielectric absorber foams, enhancing the performance of aircraft components and defense systems. Through rigorous testing and material validation, Kody maintains the highest standards of quality and reliability, ensuring that all technological advancements directly support the strategic objectives of the organization.
    Gail Lehman, the Chief Legal Officer & Chief Sustainability Officer at Hexcel, governs the legal framework and environmental initiatives of the organization. Lehman manages corporate compliance, intellectual property protection, and regulatory affairs across all international operations. By integrating sustainability goals into the core business model, the Chief Legal Officer & Chief Sustainability Officer ensures that manufacturing processes align with global environmental standards and corporate responsibility mandates. This role involves navigating complex legal landscapes in the aerospace and defense sectors while promoting sustainable practices in material production. Gail Lehman drives the development of policies that mitigate operational risks and enhance the reputation of the firm. Through the oversight of legal and sustainability functions, Lehman protects the assets of the company while fostering a commitment to ethical and environmentally conscious industrial practices.
    Gail Lehman

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hexcel Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Hexcel?
    Hexcel is led by Tom Gentile (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as James Coogan (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer) and Lyndon Smith (Global Fibers President (Americas)).
    Who is part of Hexcel’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hexcel includes leaders such as Tom Gentile (President & Chief Executive Officer), James Coogan (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer), Lyndon Smith (Global Fibers President (Americas)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Hexcel have?
    Hexcel has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Hexcel’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Hexcel includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Global Fibers President (Americas), Chief Technology Officer, Chief Legal Officer & Chief Sustainability Officer.