Woodward Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Woodward has 9 executives leading key functions including human resources, finance, aerospace, industrial operations, and administration.

Driven by innovation, Woodward is dedicated to designing, manufacturing, and servicing energy control and optimization solutions for global markets, impacting aerospace, power, process industries, and transportation through advanced engineering and reliable performance.

Leadership Roles at Woodward

  • Aerospace Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer - Balaji O
  • President, Aerospace Segment - Shawn McLevige
  • President, Industrial Segment - Randall Hobbs
  • President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust - Kody Braisted
  • President - M. Sue Woodward
  • - President, Woodward Inc - Chad Preiss
  • 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, manages all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the aerospace segment. Overseeing financial performance, investment strategies, and resource allocation, O ensures profitability and sustainable growth within this critical market. This leadership role involves close collaboration with segment presidents to drive financial discipline and optimize operational expenditures. By analyzing market trends and financial data, Balaji O directly influences key business decisions. Ultimately, O secures the financial health of the aerospace division and supports its expansion into new global territories.

    Shawn McLevige - President, Aerospace Segment

    Shawn McLevige, the President, Aerospace Segment at Woodward, leads the strategic direction and operational execution for all aerospace-related business activities. Overseeing product development, market expansion, and customer relations within the aerospace sector, McLevige ensures Woodward's continued leadership in energy control solutions for aircraft. This role involves driving innovation in engine and flight control technologies, directly impacting aviation safety and efficiency. By fostering strong partnerships with global aerospace manufacturers, Shawn McLevige enhances Woodward's market position. Ultimately, McLevige guides the segment's performance, focusing on delivering advanced solutions that meet the evolving demands of the aerospace industry.

    Randall Hobbs - President, Industrial Segment

    Randall Hobbs, the President, Industrial Segment at Woodward, directs the comprehensive strategy and operational management for the industrial division. Overseeing the design, manufacturing, and service of energy control solutions for industrial turbines and electrical power systems, Hobbs ensures Woodward's robust presence in power and process industries. This leadership position involves driving technological advancements and market penetration across global industrial landscapes. By optimizing production processes and enhancing product reliability, Randall Hobbs directly contributes to the segment's revenue growth and operational excellence. Ultimately, Hobbs champions the delivery of critical components that enhance efficiency and sustainability in industrial applications worldwide.

    Kody Braisted - President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust

    Kody Braisted, the President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust at Woodward, leads the strategic initiatives and philanthropic endeavors of the organization's charitable arm. Overseeing the allocation of resources and the execution of community support programs, Braisted ensures the Trust effectively addresses societal needs aligned with Woodward's values. This role involves fostering partnerships with non-profit organizations and managing grant distributions to maximize social impact. By guiding the Trust's operations, Kody Braisted reinforces Woodward's commitment to corporate social responsibility. Ultimately, Braisted drives the Trust's mission to create positive change and support sustainable community development.

    M. Sue Woodward - President

    M. Sue Woodward, the President at Woodward, provides overarching leadership and strategic vision for the entire organization. Overseeing all major business units and corporate functions, Woodward ensures alignment with the company's long-term objectives and market leadership in energy control solutions. This critical role involves guiding executive teams, fostering a culture of excellence, and representing Woodward to stakeholders globally. By championing innovation and operational efficiency, M. Sue Woodward directly influences the company's sustained success across aerospace, industrial, and transportation sectors. Ultimately, Woodward steers the company's trajectory, ensuring continued growth and impact in its served markets.

    Chad Preiss - - President, Woodward Inc

    Chad Preiss, the - President, Woodward Inc at Woodward, directs the overall strategic operations and business development for the corporation. Overseeing key initiatives across all segments, Preiss ensures the effective implementation of Woodward's mission to provide advanced energy control and optimization solutions. This leadership role involves driving market expansion, fostering technological innovation, and enhancing operational efficiencies throughout the global enterprise. By collaborating with executive leadership, Chad Preiss actively shapes the company's growth trajectory. Ultimately, Preiss focuses on strengthening Woodward's market position and delivering exceptional value to customers in the aerospace, power, and transportation industries.

    Timothy Macy - President and Managing Member

    Timothy Macy, the President and Managing Member at Woodward, holds significant responsibility for strategic leadership and operational oversight. Overseeing key business functions and driving corporate initiatives, Macy ensures the effective execution of Woodward's mission across its diverse market segments. This role involves guiding strategic planning, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and managing critical business relationships to enhance the company's competitive advantage. By focusing on operational excellence and sustainable growth, Timothy Macy directly contributes to Woodward's success in providing advanced energy control solutions. Ultimately, Macy leads efforts to optimize performance and expand market reach globally.

    Ron Charles - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Ron Charles, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Woodward, directs all global human capital strategies. Overseeing talent acquisition, development, and retention initiatives, Charles ensures a high-performing workforce aligned with Woodward's mission. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation and employee engagement across all operational segments, including aerospace and industrial markets. By optimizing HR processes and implementing forward-thinking people strategies, Ron Charles directly supports the company's growth objectives. Ultimately, Charles drives organizational effectiveness and ensures a robust talent pipeline to meet future business demands.
    Ron Charles

    Thomas Sloan - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Thomas Sloan, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Woodward, oversees the critical administrative functions that support the company's global operations. Managing essential services including legal, compliance, and corporate governance, Sloan ensures adherence to regulatory standards and best practices across all business units. This leadership role involves optimizing internal processes and providing strategic support to executive management, facilitating seamless operations in the aerospace, power, and process industries. By ensuring robust administrative infrastructure, Thomas Sloan directly enables the company's focus on technological innovation and market expansion. Ultimately, Sloan drives efficiency and operational integrity throughout Woodward's enterprise.

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    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 Shawn McLevige (President, Aerospace Segment) and Randall Hobbs (President, Industrial Segment).
    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), Shawn McLevige (President, Aerospace Segment), Randall Hobbs (President, Industrial Segment) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Woodward have?
    Woodward has 9 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, Industrial Segment, President, Woodward Governor Charitable Trust, President.