Kathy Warden

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Chair, CEO, President
Northrup Grumman

President and CEO of Northrop Grumman since 1019, Kathy Warden joined the company in 2002 and has held a variety of leadership positions.

She is a member of the Business Roundtable and the 2022 recipient of the Columbia School of Business’ Deming Cup for Operational Excellence, which honors business leaders for fostering a culture of improvement in their organizations.

Before joining Northrop Grumman, Warden held leadership positions at General Dynamics and the Veridian Corp.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?

Embrace vulnerability. Asking questions creates opportunities to learn, demonstrates an open mind and makes space for each person to thrive and feel valued. Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic remind us that during vulnerable moments, leaders still must have vision, provide transparency, clear expectations and comfort. Transparency enables people to be their full selves and makes room for inclusivity and diversity of thought – things that enable us to keep defining possible at Northrop Grumman.

What’s been your biggest success?

I grew up in a small town, My parents didn’t have degrees, but they worked hard. I knew college was right for me and was determined to go. My sister and I became first-generation college graduates, and while I didn’t know enrolling in James Madison University would lead me to being a CEO, I knew it was the right first step to my future. Success is also working each day in service of a greater mission, which is what we do at Northrop Grumman: Solve some of the world’s toughest problems, from deep sea to outer space.

Who have been the biggest mentors in your career?

Mentorship is a powerful way to self-reflect, both as mentor and mentee. I have peer mentors through professional organizations and mentees at Northrop Grumman, JMU and elsewhere. As my career has progressed, my trusted group of mentors and advisers has shifted. You need people people with whom you can openly discuss challenges, problem solve and have honest dialogue. Personal relationships build through mentorship help foster trust, honesty and transparency and empower each person to achieve more.

This profile is part of The Daily Record's Power 100 List for 2023-2024. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at origintdrdev.wpengine.com.