Thomas A. Gendron is the former CEO and current Chairman of Woodward, Inc., a company he joined in 2002 and led as CEO since July 2005. With a strong background in engineering holding a Bachelor's degree from the University of...
Thomas A. Gendron is the former CEO and current Chairman of Woodward, Inc., a company he joined in 2002 and led as CEO since July 2005. With a strong background in engineering holding a Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Rockford College, he has navigated Woodward through various challenges, including a strategic shift during the COVID-19 pandemic that required a salary reduction for executives, including himself. Gendron is known for his extensive experience in the energy control systems industry, having worked previously at Sundstrand Corporation and Thermotron. After serving nearly 15 years as CEO, he opted to step down from day-to-day operations but remains influential in guiding the company’s future. His leadership approach is grounded in performance metrics which link executive pay to the company's success. Gendron also has a significant stake in Woodward, evidenced by numerous stock transactions that have seen fluctuations in value, reflecting his commitment to the company’s long-term growth. He has continually prioritized aligning executive compensation with shareholder interests through structured incentive plans. In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Gendron's earlier years involved diverse roles that contributed to his sophisticated understanding of business operations.