C. Michael Petters served as the CEO of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) from March 2011 until February 2021. He graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Florida and has nearly four decades of experience in the...

C. Michael Petters served as the CEO of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) from March 2011 until February 2021. He graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Florida and has nearly four decades of experience in the shipbuilding industry. Petters began his career at Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company in 1987, where he held various positions, including overseeing significant projects like the Virginia-class submarine program and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. He has a military background, serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the nuclear-powered submarine USS Bancroft, which adds to his leadership experience in defense contracting. During his tenure at HII, he led the company through a spin-off from Northrop Grumman, increasing its importance in the defense sector. Petters focused on aligning executive pay with company performance, establishing a pay-for-performance culture. He also made notable contributions to employee health and wellness programs at HII, furthering community engagement initiatives. Intriguingly, he kept his base salary at just $1, instead relying on performance-based compensation, which highlights his commitment to tying his earnings directly to the company’s success. After stepping down as CEO, he transitioned to the role of Executive Vice Chairman of the Board, continuing his influence in the company's strategic direction.