Woodward Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Woodward has 5 executives leading key functions including finance, human resources, aerospace, industrial operations, and charitable trust management.

Driven by a legacy of innovation, Woodward is dedicated to providing advanced energy control and optimization solutions, shaping global markets through its commitment to operational excellence and sustainable technological advancement.

Leadership Roles at Woodward

  • Aerospace Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer - B. O.
  • President, Aerospace Segment - Shawn McLevige
  • President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust - Kody Braisted
  • 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 financial strategy and operational oversight for the aerospace segment. This leadership position involves managing capital allocation, financial planning, and ensuring fiscal health across all aerospace-related business units. B. O. drives profitability by optimizing cost structures and identifying new revenue streams within the global aerospace market. The role demands rigorous financial analysis to support strategic decisions, including mergers, acquisitions, and long-term investment planning. Overseeing financial reporting and compliance, B. O. ensures adherence to all regulatory requirements. This executive's focus extends to managing risk and fostering financial discipline throughout the organization, directly impacting Woodward's market competitiveness and growth trajectory in the aerospace sector. The financial acumen applied here underpins the segment's ability to deliver cutting-edge energy control solutions.

    Shawn McLevige - President, Aerospace Segment

    Shawn McLevige, the President, Aerospace Segment at Woodward, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for the company's aerospace business. This leadership role involves overseeing the design, manufacturing, and service of energy control and optimization solutions tailored for aircraft engines and systems. Shawn McLevige drives market penetration and growth by ensuring product innovation and superior customer service within the global aerospace industry. The responsibilities encompass managing cross-functional teams, fostering technological advancements, and maintaining strong relationships with key aerospace clients. By focusing on operational excellence and product reliability, Shawn McLevige ensures the segment's contribution to Woodward's overall market leadership. This executive's strategic direction is vital for developing and delivering advanced solutions that meet the stringent demands of the aerospace sector, enhancing flight safety and efficiency.

    Kody Braisted - President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust

    Kody Braisted, the President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust at Woodward, leads the strategic direction and philanthropic initiatives of the organization's charitable arm. This role focuses on managing the trust's assets and deploying resources to support community development, education, and other charitable causes aligned with Woodward's corporate social responsibility goals. Kody Braisted ensures the effective allocation of funds and oversees programs designed to create lasting positive impact. The responsibilities include fostering partnerships with non-profit organizations and monitoring the performance of grant-making activities. By guiding the trust's operations, Kody Braisted upholds Woodward's commitment to corporate citizenship and community engagement, reinforcing the company's values beyond its core industrial and aerospace markets. This leadership ensures the charitable trust effectively serves its mission.

    Randall Hobbs - President, Industrial Segment

    Randall Hobbs, the President, Industrial Segment at Woodward, spearheads the strategic growth and operational performance of the company's industrial business unit. This leadership position involves directing the development, manufacturing, and servicing of energy control and optimization solutions for industrial turbines and electrical power system equipment. Randall Hobbs drives market expansion by fostering innovation and ensuring the delivery of high-quality products to power and process industries worldwide. The scope includes managing global operations, cultivating customer relationships, and overseeing technological advancements to meet evolving industry demands. By focusing on efficiency and reliability, Randall Hobbs strengthens Woodward's position as a key provider in the industrial sector. This executive's leadership is crucial for advancing sustainable energy solutions and supporting critical infrastructure globally.

    Ron Charles - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Ron Charles, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Woodward, architects the company's global talent strategy and organizational development initiatives. This critical role focuses on cultivating a high-performance culture, attracting and retaining top talent, and ensuring robust employee engagement across all Woodward operations. Ron Charles drives initiatives that align human capital with business objectives, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and operational efficiency. The scope of this position includes overseeing compensation and benefits, leadership development programs, and diversity and inclusion efforts. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, Ron Charles strengthens the company's workforce capabilities, directly supporting Woodward's mission to provide advanced energy control solutions. This leadership ensures that the organization's most valuable asset—its people—are empowered to achieve strategic goals and drive market success.
    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 Shawn McLevige (President, Aerospace Segment) and Kody Braisted (President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust).
    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), Shawn McLevige (President, Aerospace Segment), Kody Braisted (President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust) 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, Aerospace Segment, President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust, President, Industrial Segment, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer.