David P. Hess, the former interim CEO of Howmet Aerospace, has quite an impressive background. Born in 1956, he holds a unique combination of degrees, including a bachelor's in physics and a bachelor's and master's in electrical engineering. His career...

David P. Hess, the former interim CEO of Howmet Aerospace, has quite an impressive background. Born in 1956, he holds a unique combination of degrees, including a bachelor's in physics and a bachelor's and master's in electrical engineering. His career spanned over thirty years at United Technologies Corporation, where he held various leadership positions, including President of Pratt & Whitney, which is well known for its aircraft engines. During his time at Howmet Aerospace, he stepped in as interim CEO in April 2017, leading the company through a transitional period after the previous CEO's departure. Interestingly, Hess has remained active on multiple boards, including nonprofit organizations and health care initiatives, showing his commitment to community engagement. He had a significant total compensation in 2017 of approximately $4.7 million, thanks mainly to a hefty stock award granted for his service. His insider trading activity also caught attention, with stock transactions peaking notably through 2022, where his holdings consistently grew from about $567K to over $4 million within two years. Hess’s experience in the aerospace sector, along with his educational background, gives him a strong foundation for navigating complex industry challenges.