Kathy Warden is one of the most influential executives in the American aerospace and defense industry. She serves as chair, chief executive officer, and president of Northrop Grumman Corporation, a major technology company involved in aeronautics, defense systems, space, and advanced security technologies. She has led the company as CEO and president since January 2019.
The phrase “Kathy Warden Manchester” also appears in online searches, although her established professional career is centered in the United States rather than Manchester. Her official biographies and corporate records connect her primarily with Northrop Grumman, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and the wider U.S. aerospace sector.
Quick bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kathy J. Warden |
| Age | Around 54–55 years old in 2026 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Business Executive |
| Current Role | Chair, CEO and President of Northrop Grumman |
| Education | James Madison University; MBA from George Washington University |
| Career Start | Worked at General Electric before moving into senior technology and defense roles |
| Northrop Grumman | Joined in 2008; became CEO and president in 2019 |
| Height | Not listed in major official corporate biographies |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be well above $100 million based on disclosed stock holdings, compensation, and other assets |
| Annual Compensation | About $25.36 million in total compensation for 2025 |
| Social Media | Active professionally on LinkedIn |
| Known For | Leadership in aerospace, defense, cybersecurity, and advanced technology |
Who Is Kathy Warden?
Kathy J. Warden is an American business executive with decades of experience in technology, cybersecurity, aerospace, and government contracting. Before reaching Northrop Grumman’s top position, she managed several major divisions within the company and developed experience across both commercial and government markets.
Northrop Grumman appointed her CEO and president on January 1, 2019, after she had served as president and chief operating officer. She became chair of the company’s board later in 2019.
Kathy Warden’s Age
Northrop Grumman’s 2026 proxy statement lists Kathy Warden as 54 years old. Because corporate filings record age at a specific point during the year, she is approximately 54 to 55 years old during 2026.
She grew up in Hagerstown, Maryland, and attended James Madison University. JMU has described Warden as a first-generation college student who arrived at the university focused on building the skills needed for a professional career.
Education
Warden earned her bachelor’s degree from James Madison University, graduating in 1992. She later completed an MBA at George Washington University in 1999.
Her educational background helped prepare her for management positions involving technology, operations, business strategy, and government markets. George Washington University has highlighted her career as one of the notable achievements among its business alumni.
Early Career
Before joining Northrop Grumman, Warden spent almost a decade working for General Electric in commercial industries. She later held leadership positions at Veridian Corporation and General Dynamics.
She also worked as a principal in a venture internet business. These roles gave her experience in both established corporations and technology-focused ventures before she entered senior management at Northrop Grumman.
Northrop Grumman Career
Warden joined Northrop Grumman in 2008. Over the following decade, she moved through increasingly senior leadership positions.
Her roles included vice president of the Cyber Intelligence Division, president of the Information Systems sector, and president of Mission Systems. In 2018, she became president and chief operating officer and took responsibility for the operational management of Northrop Grumman’s major business sectors.
She also played an important role in integrating Orbital ATK after Northrop Grumman acquired the aerospace and defense company.
Becoming CEO
Warden became CEO at a time when aerospace, cybersecurity, missile defense, autonomous systems, and space technologies were becoming increasingly important parts of national security spending.
Under her leadership, Northrop Grumman has continued working on major aerospace and defense programs while expanding manufacturing capacity. The company reported a backlog of approximately $95.7 billion at the end of 2025, according to its 2026 proxy statement.
The same filing stated that Northrop Grumman’s market capitalization had increased substantially from 2019 through early 2026.
Kathy Warden’s Net Worth
An exact personal net worth figure cannot be calculated from executive salary alone, but corporate filings provide useful evidence about Warden’s wealth.
As of March 20, 2026, Northrop Grumman reported that Warden beneficially owned 196,681 shares of company stock.
Northrop Grumman shares closed at approximately $499.63 on October 15, 2026. At that price, 196,681 shares would have a market value of roughly $98.3 million, assuming the disclosed share count had remained unchanged.
That figure represents stock value rather than her complete personal net worth. Other investments, property, taxes, liabilities, previously sold shares, retirement assets, and private holdings would also affect her total wealth.
Salary and Compensation
Warden’s income includes much more than her base salary.
Northrop Grumman reported total 2025 compensation of $25.36 million. This included approximately $1.84 million in salary, $16.75 million in stock awards, $4.22 million in non-equity incentive compensation, and additional retirement and benefit-related amounts.
Her 2024 total compensation was approximately $24.36 million, showing how heavily senior executive compensation at Northrop Grumman depends on stock and performance incentives rather than salary alone.
Family and Personal Life
Warden keeps most of her private family life separate from her corporate profile. Her official biographies from Northrop Grumman, NASA, Merck, and her universities focus mainly on her education, professional career, board positions, and leadership achievements.
This relatively private approach is common among senior executives working in defense and national security industries.
Height and Appearance
Warden’s official corporate profiles do not provide a height measurement. Her professional appearances generally show a polished corporate style suitable for board meetings, conferences, government events, and executive presentations.
Northrop Grumman regularly features her in company photographs, interviews, leadership events, and corporate communications.
Social Media
Kathy Warden maintains a prominent professional presence on LinkedIn, where she has more than 160,000 followers. Her posts mainly cover Northrop Grumman projects, aerospace technology, national security, employees, internships, manufacturing, and leadership.
Unlike entertainment personalities, she does not build her public image around lifestyle-focused social platforms. Her online presence remains largely business-oriented.
Board Positions
Warden’s influence extends beyond Northrop Grumman. She serves on the board of directors of Merck & Co. and has held important leadership positions with organizations connected to business, technology, and economic development.
She has also been associated with the Greater Washington Partnership, Aerospace Industries Association, Business Roundtable, and Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.
Awards and Recognition
Warden received the 2022 Deming Cup for Operational Excellence, an award recognizing leadership and operational performance.
She has also appeared on lists recognizing influential women in business and Washington leadership circles. Her rise from a first-generation college student to the chief executive of a major aerospace corporation remains one of the most notable parts of her career story.
Kathy Warden Manchester Connection
Despite the search phrase “Kathy Warden Manchester,” major professional sources do not establish Manchester as an important location in Warden’s career.
Her professional record is strongly connected with the United States, particularly Northrop Grumman and the Washington-area aerospace and defense community. The Manchester keyword appears to be a search variation rather than a separate position, company, or major biographical connection.
Final Thoughts
Kathy Warden has built a long career across technology, cybersecurity, aerospace, and corporate leadership. From General Electric and General Dynamics to the highest executive position at Northrop Grumman, her career reflects more than three decades of experience in complex technology businesses.
At roughly 54 to 55 years old in 2026, she leads one of America’s largest aerospace and defense companies and receives annual compensation exceeding $25 million. Her substantial Northrop Grumman share ownership also places the value of her disclosed company stock alone close to $100 million based on October 2026 market prices.
FAQs
Who is Kathy Warden?
Kathy Warden is an American business executive who serves as chair, CEO, and president of Northrop Grumman, one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the United States.
How old is Kathy Warden?
Kathy Warden is around 54 to 55 years old in 2026, based on age information reported in Northrop Grumman’s corporate filings.
What is Kathy Warden’s net worth?
Her exact net worth is not disclosed. However, her Northrop Grumman stock holdings and multimillion-dollar annual compensation suggest that her overall wealth is substantial.
What is Kathy Warden’s educational background?
She earned a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and later completed an MBA at George Washington University.
Is Kathy Warden connected to Manchester?
Major professional biographies do not show a significant Manchester connection. The phrase “Kathy Warden Manchester” appears to be a search variation rather than a confirmed part of her career history.
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