Charles Nicholas Woodburn (born 11 March 1971) is a British business executive and engineer who has served as the Group Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems since July 2017. A seasoned leader in the defense, aerospace, and energy sectors, Woodburn is noted for his technical background and strategic oversight of one of the world's largest defense contractors. Born in Windsor, Berkshire, Woodburn attended Dr Challoner's Grammar School in Amersham, England. His academic path reflected a strong focus on technical and scientific disciplines, leading him to the University of Cambridge. There, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Sciences at St John’s College in 1992, followed by a PhD in Engineering. Later, he broadened his management expertise by obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Erasmus University Rotterdam. Woodburn’s early professional career was defined by an extensive tenure in the oil and gas industry, notably a 15-year career at Schlumberger. During his time at the oilfield services company, he held various senior engineering and operational management positions, working across diverse international markets including Thailand, Australia, and the United States. Following his time at Schlumberger, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Expro Group, where he gained further experience leading complex global organizations. In 2016, Woodburn transitioned to the defense sector, joining BAE Systems as its Chief Operating Officer. His appointment was widely viewed as a move to bring deep operational and engineering expertise to the company’s executive leadership. He succeeded Ian King as Group Chief Executive Officer in July 2017. Under his leadership, BAE Systems has navigated significant geopolitical shifts, including the company’s involvement in the trilateral AUKUS security partnership and the expansion of its presence in the space domain. His tenure has been characterized by a focus on long-term government partnerships, operational efficiency, and investment in engineering talent and apprenticeships. Woodburn’s contributions to the engineering and business sectors have earned him professional recognition. In 2020, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. In the 2024 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to international trade and skills development. In December 2024, Woodburn was one of several Western executives sanctioned by the Chinese government, a move linked to arms sales involving Taiwan. Outside of his corporate responsibilities, Woodburn resides in Surrey with his family. He is married and has two children, and is known to be an enthusiast for activities such as cycling and skiing. His career path from an engineer to the head of a FTSE 100 company is frequently cited as a model for aligning deep technical acumen with complex, high-stakes global management.