Woodward Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Woodward has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, human resources, and segment operations.

Driven by innovation, Woodward is dedicated to providing advanced energy control and optimization solutions, shaping global markets in aerospace, power, and transportation through a commitment to operational excellence and customer success.

Leadership Roles at Woodward

  • Aerospace Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer - Balaji O
  • Chief Financial Officer, Industrial Segment - Stefano Di Lenardo
  • - President, Woodward Inc - Chad Preiss
  • President - M. Sue Woodward
  • President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust - Kody Braisted
  • President, Aerospace Segment - Shawn McLevige
  • President, Industrial Segment - Randall Hobbs
  • President and Managing Member - Timothy Macy
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Ron Charles
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Thomas Sloan
  • Balaji O - Aerospace Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer

    Balaji O, the Aerospace Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer at Woodward, directs financial strategy and operational oversight for the aerospace segment. This leadership role involves managing budgets, forecasting revenue, and ensuring fiscal responsibility across all aerospace-related initiatives. Balaji O drives financial performance by optimizing resource allocation and identifying cost-saving opportunities within the segment. The executive ensures alignment with Woodward's broader financial objectives while supporting the specific growth and innovation demands of the aerospace market. This involves close collaboration with engineering and product development teams to assess the financial viability of new technologies and market entries. Balaji O's financial acumen directly supports the segment's ability to deliver cutting-edge energy control solutions to global aviation clients, reinforcing Woodward's position as a key industry partner.

    Stefano Di Lenardo - Chief Financial Officer, Industrial Segment

    Stefano Di Lenardo, the Chief Financial Officer, Industrial Segment at Woodward, spearheads financial operations and strategic planning for the industrial sector. This executive oversees all financial aspects, including budgeting, financial reporting, and investment analysis, crucial for the segment's sustained growth and profitability. Stefano Di Lenardo ensures robust financial controls and drives initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across industrial manufacturing and service operations. The role demands a deep understanding of market dynamics within the power and process industries, enabling informed financial decision-making. By managing capital allocation and risk, Stefano Di Lenardo supports the development and deployment of Woodward's energy control solutions for industrial turbines and electrical power systems. This leadership ensures the industrial segment consistently meets its financial targets and contributes significantly to Woodward's overall market presence.

    Chad Preiss - - President, Woodward Inc

    Chad Preiss, the - President, Woodward Inc at Woodward, drives the overall strategic direction and operational execution for the entire enterprise. This executive leads the company's global operations, focusing on innovation, market expansion, and sustained financial performance across all business segments. Chad Preiss oversees the integration of Woodward's energy control and optimization solutions for engines, aircraft, and industrial equipment, ensuring alignment with market demands and technological advancements. The leadership role involves fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, partners, and the board of directors, to advance Woodward's mission. By championing a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, Chad Preiss ensures the company remains a leader in serving the aerospace, power, and transportation industries worldwide. This executive's vision guides Woodward's commitment to delivering value and driving progress in energy management.

    M. Sue Woodward - President

    M. Sue Woodward, the President at Woodward, provides strategic leadership and oversight for key organizational initiatives. This executive focuses on advancing Woodward's mission to deliver advanced energy control and optimization solutions across its diverse global markets. M. Sue Woodward plays a crucial part in shaping the company's long-term vision, ensuring that operations in aerospace, power, and transportation industries remain at the forefront of technological innovation. The role involves guiding strategic partnerships and fostering a culture of operational excellence. By directing efforts to enhance product development and customer service, M. Sue Woodward ensures Woodward consistently meets the evolving needs of its clients. This leadership contributes significantly to the company's sustained success and its reputation as a trusted provider of critical industrial equipment and services.

    Kody Braisted - President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust

    Kody Braisted, the President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust at Woodward, directs the strategic allocation of philanthropic resources and community engagement initiatives. This executive oversees the trust's operations, ensuring alignment with Woodward's corporate social responsibility goals and its commitment to supporting communities where the company operates. Kody Braisted guides the identification and funding of programs that promote education, environmental sustainability, and community development, particularly in regions relevant to Woodward's global presence. The role involves fostering partnerships with non-profit organizations and community leaders to maximize the impact of charitable contributions. By managing the trust's financial resources effectively, Kody Braisted ensures sustained support for initiatives that enhance societal well-being and align with Woodward's long-standing values. This leadership role is vital for reinforcing Woodward's positive impact beyond its core business operations.

    Shawn McLevige - President, Aerospace Segment

    Shawn McLevige, the President, Aerospace Segment at Woodward, leads the strategic direction and operational performance of the company's aerospace division. This executive is responsible for driving growth, innovation, and market leadership within the global aerospace industry. Shawn McLevige oversees the development and delivery of advanced energy control and optimization solutions for aircraft engines and systems, ensuring compliance with stringent industry standards. The role involves managing key customer relationships, fostering technological advancements, and optimizing supply chain operations to meet the demanding requirements of aviation clients. By focusing on operational excellence and strategic market penetration, Shawn McLevige ensures the aerospace segment consistently achieves its financial and performance objectives. This leadership is critical to maintaining Woodward's position as a premier supplier to the aerospace sector worldwide.

    Randall Hobbs - President, Industrial Segment

    Randall Hobbs, the President, Industrial Segment at Woodward, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for the company's industrial business. This executive is responsible for driving growth and innovation in markets served by industrial turbines and electrical power system equipment. Randall Hobbs oversees the development and deployment of Woodward's energy control and optimization solutions, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the power and process industries. The role involves managing key customer relationships, fostering technological advancements, and optimizing manufacturing and service operations. By focusing on market expansion and operational excellence, Randall Hobbs ensures the industrial segment consistently achieves its performance and financial targets. This leadership is vital for strengthening Woodward's position as a leading provider of critical solutions to global industrial clients.

    Timothy Macy - President and Managing Member

    Timothy Macy, the President and Managing Member at Woodward, provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for specific business units or initiatives within the organization. This executive focuses on driving operational performance and achieving key business objectives, ensuring alignment with Woodward's overall mission. Timothy Macy leads efforts to enhance product development, optimize service delivery, and expand market reach for Woodward's energy control and optimization solutions. The role involves fostering strong internal collaboration and managing external stakeholder relationships to support strategic growth. By championing innovation and operational efficiency, Timothy Macy ensures the targeted business areas contribute effectively to Woodward's success in serving global markets. This leadership is instrumental in navigating complex business environments and achieving sustained competitive advantage.

    Ron Charles - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Ron Charles, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Woodward, directs all human capital strategies and organizational development initiatives. This executive is responsible for fostering a high-performance culture, managing talent acquisition and retention, and overseeing employee relations across the global organization. Ron Charles champions initiatives that enhance employee engagement, promote diversity and inclusion, and ensure compliance with labor laws in all operating regions. The role involves close collaboration with other senior leaders to align HR strategies with Woodward's business objectives, particularly in supporting the company's expansion in aerospace, power, and transportation markets. By developing robust leadership programs and compensation structures, Ron Charles ensures the workforce is equipped to drive innovation and operational excellence. This leadership is fundamental to maintaining Woodward's competitive edge through its skilled and motivated employee base.
    Ron Charles

    Thomas Sloan - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Thomas Sloan, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Woodward, oversees a broad range of essential corporate functions that support the company's operational efficiency and strategic objectives. This executive manages critical administrative departments, including legal, compliance, information technology, and facilities management, ensuring seamless integration across all business units. Thomas Sloan drives initiatives to optimize internal processes, enhance risk management protocols, and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements across global operations. The role involves close collaboration with other senior leaders to implement policies that foster a productive and secure work environment. By ensuring the effective functioning of these core administrative services, Thomas Sloan directly contributes to Woodward's ability to innovate and serve its customers in the aerospace, power, and transportation industries. This leadership ensures the foundational support systems are robust and aligned with company goals.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Industrial Machinery & Equipment

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Woodward Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Woodward?
    Woodward is led by Balaji O (Aerospace Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Stefano Di Lenardo (Chief Financial Officer, Industrial Segment) and Chad Preiss (- President, Woodward Inc).
    Who is part of Woodward’s executive team?
    The executive team of Woodward includes leaders such as Balaji O (Aerospace Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer), Stefano Di Lenardo (Chief Financial Officer, Industrial Segment), Chad Preiss (- President, Woodward Inc) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Woodward have?
    Woodward has 10 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, Chief Financial Officer, Industrial Segment, - President, Woodward Inc, President, President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust.