Woodward Announces Plans for Chief Executive Officer Transition
ROCKFORD, IL -- 01/25/2005 -- Woodward Governor Company (NASDAQ: WGOV)
announced today at its Annual Shareholders Meeting that John A. Halbrook,
59, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, will step down from
the CEO position, effective June 30, 2005.
Mr. Halbrook will continue as Chairman of the Board and remain an active
executive with the company. Plans are that Thomas A. Gendron, 43, Chief
Operating Officer, will succeed Mr. Halbrook as CEO, effective July 1,
2005, and will be elected a director of the company.
"Today's announcement marks a transition in our top management succession
plan, which the Board of Directors and I have been formulating for the past
five years. My transition to the Chairman's role will allow me to
participate in the company's future and also to fulfill my desire to
accomplish other goals," said Mr. Halbrook.
Tim Yonker, lead director, said, "Our deliberate succession planning
approach will ensure a seamless transition of leadership. I am confident
that Tom's knowledge, leadership, and vision for the future will serve
Woodward stakeholders well."
Mr. Halbrook added, "After 20 years with the company, the time was right to
move into the Chairman's role. The past 10 years have been very rewarding
for me. Together, with a strong management team and a wonderful membership,
we have transformed the company to a customer-focused organization and
crafted a strategy that supports the ever-demanding improvements and
requirements of our customer base."
In 1995, Mr. Halbrook was named Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer. Two years earlier, he was named Chief Executive Officer and
President. He has served in various executive positions with Woodward
including Chief Operating Officer and President and has served as a
director of the company since 1991. He has also held positions with
Worthington Pumps, McGraw Edison, Turbodyne, General Electric, and General
Dynamics. Mr. Halbrook received his bachelor's degree in electrical
engineering from Purdue University and his master's degree in business
administration from the University of Rochester.
Mr. Gendron was named Woodward's President and Chief Operating Officer in
September 2002. Previously, he was Vice President, General Manager
Industrial Controls. He has served Woodward for over 14 years in both the
aircraft and industrial businesses, providing leadership in sales,
marketing, business development, and product support management. Prior to
joining the company, he held positions with Sundstrand Corporation and
Thermotron. Mr. Gendron earned his bachelor's degree in engineering from
the University of Illinois and his master's degree in business
administration from Rockford College.
About Woodward
Woodward is the world's largest independent designer, manufacturer, and
service provider of energy control solutions for aircraft engines,
industrial engines and turbines, power generation, and process automation
equipment. The company's innovative control, fuel delivery, combustion, and
automation systems help customers worldwide operate cleaner, more cost
effective, and more reliable equipment. Woodward is headquartered in
Rockford, Illinois, and serves global markets from locations worldwide.
Visit our website at www.woodward.com.
Woodward Governor Company
5001 North Second Street
P.O. Box 7001
Rockford, IL 61125-7001
Tel: 815-877-7441
Fax: 815-639-6050