Charles Woodburn has led BAE Systems as Chief Executive since 2017, overseeing one of the world's largest defence and aerospace companies. He joined BAE Systems in 2013 as Chief Operating Officer, having previously held senior roles at Expro International, where he served as Chief Executive. His background is in engineering and operational management, with earlier experience at Schlumberger spanning a number of technical and leadership positions across multiple geographies.
Under his tenure, BAE Systems has expanded its order book significantly across air, maritime, land, and cyber domains, with major programmes including the Tempest next-generation combat aircraft and continued production of the Eurofighter Typhoon. Woodburn has also overseen the company's growing presence in the United States defence market.