AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) announced the appointment of Sean T. Woodward as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective May 1, 2026. Woodward will succeed Kevin McDonnell, who will step down from the role and remain with the company in an advisory capacity through July 2026.

Woodward brings 22 years of experience in defense technology finance, including roles at General Dynamics and Honeywell Aerospace. He joined AeroVironment in 2010 and has served in leadership positions across the company for more than 15 years. Most recently, he served as CFO of the company's Autonomous Systems segment, where he managed financial planning and analysis, operational finance, pricing and cost estimating, government accounting compliance, and program controls.

The company stated that during Woodward's tenure, AeroVironment has grown to achieve approximately $10 billion in market capitalization. He has been involved in building the finance organization and supporting the company's expansion efforts.

"Sean brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong understanding of our financial and business strategy," said Wahid Nawabi, chairman, president and chief executive officer.

Woodward holds a Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of South Florida and an MBA with a concentration in finance from the University of Tampa.

AeroVironment develops autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-unmanned aircraft systems technologies, and other defense technologies. The company is based in Arlington, Virginia.