Woodward Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Woodward has 5 executives leading key functions including aerospace management, financial oversight, human resources, charitable initiatives, and industrial segment operations.

Focused on engineering precision for global energy control, Woodward delivers advanced optimization solutions for engines, aircraft, and industrial turbines to drive efficiency across international power and transportation markets.

Leadership Roles at Woodward

  • Aerospace Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer - B. O.
  • President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust - Kody Braisted
  • President, Aerospace Segment - Shawn McLevige
  • President, Industrial Segment - Randall Hobbs
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Ron Charles
  • B. O. - Aerospace Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer

    B. O., the Aerospace Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer at Woodward, directs the financial health and strategic aerospace initiatives for the organization. Managing capital allocation and fiscal reporting, the Aerospace Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer ensures alignment with long-term growth objectives in the global aviation sector. This leadership role involves overseeing complex budgetary frameworks that support the design and manufacturing of advanced aircraft control systems. By optimizing financial performance across North American and international operations, B. O. secures the necessary resources for ongoing innovation in engine technology. The Aerospace Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer maintains rigorous oversight of fiscal compliance while collaborating with the board to refine market expansion strategies. Through disciplined financial management, the Aerospace Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer strengthens the competitive position of the company within the aerospace industry, ensuring sustainable value creation for all stakeholders involved in the energy control ecosystem.

    Kody Braisted - President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust

    Kody Braisted, the President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust at Woodward, directs the philanthropic mission and community engagement efforts of the organization. Managing the distribution of resources to educational and social initiatives, the President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust ensures that the company maintains a positive impact within the regions where operations exist. This leadership role involves coordinating with community leaders and non-profit organizations to support STEM education and local development projects that align with the core values of the company. By overseeing the strategic allocation of charitable funds, Kody Braisted enhances the corporate reputation and fosters strong relationships with stakeholders. The President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust evaluates the effectiveness of various grant programs to maximize social return on investment. Through consistent community involvement, the President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust reinforces the commitment of the company to social responsibility while supporting the long-term sustainability of the communities that host the manufacturing facilities.

    Shawn McLevige - President, Aerospace Segment

    Shawn McLevige, the President, Aerospace Segment at Woodward, directs the design, manufacturing, and service operations for the aviation business unit. Overseeing the development of advanced control systems for aircraft engines and airframes, the President, Aerospace Segment ensures that the company meets the stringent performance requirements of global aerospace customers. This leadership role involves managing complex supply chains and engineering teams to deliver high-reliability solutions for both commercial and defense markets. By driving innovation in fuel and motion control, Shawn McLevige expands the market reach of the aerospace segment across international territories. The President, Aerospace Segment collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate new technologies into existing product lines, maintaining a focus on operational efficiency and quality. Through strategic oversight of the aerospace portfolio, the President, Aerospace Segment secures the position of the company as a critical partner in the global aviation industry, consistently delivering value through technical expertise and reliable service.

    Randall Hobbs - President, Industrial Segment

    Randall Hobbs, the President, Industrial Segment at Woodward, directs the operational strategy and product development for the industrial power and process business unit. Overseeing the manufacturing of control systems for industrial turbines and electrical power equipment, the President, Industrial Segment ensures that the company provides robust energy optimization solutions for global infrastructure. This leadership role involves managing the lifecycle of industrial products, from initial design to field service, to support the energy needs of diverse markets. By optimizing production processes and enhancing product reliability, Randall Hobbs drives growth within the industrial sector. The President, Industrial Segment coordinates with engineering and sales teams to address the specific challenges of power generation and process control, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of industrial technology. Through the strategic management of the industrial segment, the President, Industrial Segment delivers consistent performance and supports the operational efficiency of customers across the globe.

    Ron Charles - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Ron Charles, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Woodward, architects the global talent strategy and organizational culture necessary for high-performance manufacturing. Overseeing workforce development and leadership succession, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the company attracts top-tier engineering talent to support the design of complex energy control solutions. This role involves implementing comprehensive human capital programs that span international regions, fostering an environment of technical excellence and operational safety. By aligning personnel initiatives with the broader business goals of the industrial and aerospace segments, Ron Charles drives organizational agility. The Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer manages compensation structures and employee engagement strategies to maintain a competitive edge in the global labor market. Through these efforts, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer builds a resilient workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of the power and process industries.
    Ron Charles

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Woodward Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Woodward?
    Woodward is led by B. O. (Aerospace Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Kody Braisted (President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust) and Shawn McLevige (President, Aerospace Segment).
    Who is part of Woodward’s executive team?
    The executive team of Woodward includes leaders such as B. O. (Aerospace Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer), Kody Braisted (President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust), Shawn McLevige (President, Aerospace Segment) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Woodward have?
    Woodward has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Woodward’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Woodward includes roles such as Aerospace Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer, President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust, President, Aerospace Segment, President, Industrial Segment, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer.