Chad Higgins stands at the intersection of technical excellence and commercial strategy, a rare breed of executive who not only engineers products but also builds markets. With over 24 years of professional experience, Chad has carved out a distinguished career in the automotive and industrial manufacturing sectors, consistently demonstrating the ability to bridge engineering acumen with customer-centric business development. His career reflects a deep-rooted passion for solving complex problems, cultivating cross-functional teams, and expanding market share through innovation and strategic partnerships. Guided by his personal mantra—“Driven by the fear of failure”—Chad brings relentless determination and humility to every challenge he faces.
From his earliest days as a co-op student at Airtex Products, Chad displayed an insatiable curiosity and drive to contribute. That early exposure to real-world engineering principles set the stage for a career marked by continuous advancement and increasing leadership responsibilities. He quickly ascended through technical and commercial ranks, earning his way into high-level roles that demanded a blend of engineering precision, sales insight, and organizational foresight. Each role added a new layer of capability—culminating in a multifaceted executive who is as comfortable walking the production floor in China as he is negotiating multimillion-dollar contracts in Detroit.
At First Brands Group, Chad led global engineering and sales initiatives for OEM and aftermarket products, including complex fuel and water pump systems. His leadership was pivotal in realigning the company’s manufacturing strategy, moving operations from Ohio and China to Mexico, resulting in multi-million-dollar annual savings. Chad’s efforts extended beyond operational efficiency—he earned back a $14M Ford Motor Company account through trust, long-term relationship cultivation, and a comprehensive understanding of technical requirements. These achievements underscore his ability to convert technical excellence into commercial wins.
Chad’s global perspective is not theoretical—it is forged through hands-on experience. He has directed teams in the United States, Europe, and Asia, and conducted extensive travel to oversee supplier audits, engineering operations, and customer engagements. His international exposure has made him uniquely adaptable and culturally fluent, allowing him to form lasting partnerships across borders. From Canada to China, from Germany to Mexico, Chad’s leadership presence is one of calm authority, earned trust, and solutions-oriented collaboration.
In each position he has held, Chad has driven growth by building tailored strategies around three fundamental pillars: replacing competitors’ products, cultivating long-term development partnerships, and strengthening strategic relationships. These principles have guided his decision-making and provided structure to his approach—whether spearheading OEM expansion at Carter Fuel Systems or leading complex warranty negotiations at Woodward Inc. Chad’s ability to focus on both the short and long term makes him a formidable and balanced executive.
Currently serving as Sales Manager at Woodward Inc., Chad oversees the largest customer account for the industrial engine segment, managing air and fuel handling products that are critical to modern engine systems. His responsibilities include sales forecasting, cross-functional collaboration with operations, and navigating high-stakes negotiations. His technical fluency allows him to act as both a commercial strategist and a trusted engineering advisor, making him a linchpin between customer needs and product innovation.
Chad’s educational journey reflects his commitment to growth and adaptability. He holds an MBA from Trine University, a Bachelor’s in Organizational Management from Malone University, and completed substantial coursework in mechanical engineering at Kettering University. This combination of business insight and technical foundation has enabled him to lead multidisciplinary teams with credibility and confidence. He understands how to align business goals with technical execution, ensuring that every project delivers value from concept to customer delivery.
Equally impressive is Chad’s impact on organizational culture and mentorship. Throughout his career, he has been known as a coach and motivator, fostering environments where team members are empowered to perform at their best. His leadership style blends accountability with empathy, recognizing that strong results come from strong people. Whether leading engineering design teams or international sales representatives, Chad invests in people first—creating high-performing teams that achieve lasting outcomes.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Chad remains deeply committed to his community and personal development. He has served as Deacon, Treasurer, and Elder at Avon Christian Church, and continues to volunteer with Men in Action. His values of integrity, faith, and service permeate both his personal and professional life. He also enjoys spending time with his family, traveling the world, and embracing the outdoors—experiences that continually renew his sense of perspective and purpose.
Today, Chad Higgins is not only an executive ready for the next challenge—he is a seasoned strategist, a global collaborator, and a leader who thrives on complexity. He seeks board and advisory opportunities where he can contribute his deep knowledge, international insights, and commitment to operational excellence. With a mindset forged by experience and a heart set on service, Chad is poised to help organizations grow, innovate, and lead with integrity.
Character:
Chad’s leadership is grounded in humility, service, and resilience, making him a reliable and inspiring presence in any organization. His values are not only spoken but demonstrated in his community work and mentorship of global teams.
Knowledge:
With over two decades of cross-functional experience in sales, engineering, and manufacturing, Chad brings unparalleled expertise to every strategic decision. His academic credentials and global project oversight further enhance his ability to see the big picture while managing the details.
Strategic:
Chad excels at crafting long-term strategies that replace competition, optimize operations, and cultivate deep customer relationships. His ability to blend tactical action with visionary planning has resulted in consistent business growth and transformation.
Communication:
Known for his clarity and authenticity, Chad communicates effectively across technical and executive audiences. Whether leading international negotiations or coaching team members, his words reflect both competence and care.
