Louis Chênevert is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Technologies Corporation (UTC), and a recognized industrial leader in lean manufacturing and operational transformation. He served as President and Chief Operating Officer of UTC, leading global aerospace and building systems operations.
His career began at General Motors, where he held manufacturing and operations positions, progressing to Production General Manager with responsibility for vehicle assembly programs. This was followed by his term at Pratt & Whitney Canada, where he advanced to President with responsibility for global engine manufacturing, aftermarket services, and supply chain operations across commercial and defence aviation.
During his tenure as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of UTC, the company strengthened its aerospace position through major transactions, including the acquisition of Goodrich and the integration of GE’s security business, while increasing its ownership in International Aero Engines in support of the Airbus A320 platform.
Under his leadership, achievements...Louis Chênevert is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Technologies Corporation (UTC), and a recognized industrial leader in lean manufacturing and operational transformation. He served as President and Chief Operating Officer of UTC, leading global aerospace and building systems operations.
His career began at General Motors, where he held manufacturing and operations positions, progressing to Production General Manager with responsibility for vehicle assembly programs. This was followed by his term at Pratt & Whitney Canada, where he advanced to President with responsibility for global engine manufacturing, aftermarket services, and supply chain operations across commercial and defence aviation.
During his tenure as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of UTC, the company strengthened its aerospace position through major transactions, including the acquisition of Goodrich and the integration of GE’s security business, while increasing its ownership in International Aero Engines in support of the Airbus A320 platform.
Under his leadership, achievements included advancing the Geared Turbofan engine, securing UTC’s position on the F135 engine program for the Joint Strike Fighter, and overseeing the development of next-generation rotorcraft technologies within Sikorsky. Expansion of UTC’s manufacturing footprint included establishing operations in Poland, China, and India, alongside a focus on operational efficiency through cost discipline and production systems.
Following his executive career, Louis assumed advisory and board roles with several organizations, including Goldman Sachs, where he served as an advisor, and Cargill, where he is a member of the board of directors, focusing on industrial strategy, governance, and manufacturing performance.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Production Management from Université de Montréal.READ MOREVIEW LESS
Former Chairman, CEO & Senior Advisor | Industrial & Aerospace.
2006
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2015
Farmington, CT, USA
United Technologies Corporation was a diversified industrial group operating across aerospace systems, aircraft engines, and building technologies, serving commercial and government markets worldwide, and later merged with Raytheon to form Raytheon Technologies, now known as RTX.
In this role, Louis led the core aircraft engine division, improving operational performance while advancing next-generation engine development programs.
Louis oversaw the global turboprop and regional engine business, expanding international reach and strengthening execution across manufacturing and supply chains.
During his time at Pratt & Whitney Canada, Louis progressed through operational leadership roles overseeing manufacturing performance, production systems, and supply chain execution, applying his prior experience in automotive production environments.
Louis held full operational accountability for a high-volume automotive facility, managing production, workforce performance, and cost efficiency at scale.
At General Motors, Louis progressed through plant and production management roles, developing expertise in large-scale manufacturing systems, process optimisation, and labour-intensive operations.
Serves as Chairman Emeritus of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation following his tenure as President, retaining an honorary association with the organisation.
As President of the International Advisory Board of HEC Montréal, Louis leads a group of senior executives advising on global strategy, strengthening international networks, and aligning the institution’s programmes with industry needs.
In his advisory role at Goldman Sachs, Louis provided guidance to the merchant banking team on evaluating and executing investments in the industrial and aerospace sectors. He leveraged his operational experience to assess deal quality and shape portfolio strategy.
CAES, previously known as Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions, operates in the U.S. defence sector, specialising in radio frequency and microwave technologies, including systems for electronic warfare deployed on advanced military platforms such as combat aircraft and missile systems.
General Electric is an industrial company focused on aviation, power, and healthcare technologies, with a legacy in large-scale engineering and infrastructure. Following 2017, it underwent significant restructuring to streamline its portfolio. Louis Chênevert served as Vice Chairman of GE’s Board, participating in board oversight and governance as a non-executive director.
The Yale Cancer Center is a leading academic research and treatment institution focused on advancing cancer care through clinical innovation, translational research, and education. It is affiliated with Yale School of Medicine and Yale New Haven Hospital. Louis Chênevert served on its Advisory Board, providing external guidance and perspective to support the center’s strategic and research objectives.
Through the Chênevert Family Foundation, Louis supports healthcare research and higher education, including major contributions to Yale Cancer Center and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.
This release reports on Louis Chênevert being recognized as Aviation Week’s 2011 Person of the Year, citing his leadership in strengthening United Technologies’ aerospace operations and executing key strategic initiatives.
In this Interview, Louis addresses fiscal policy and competitiveness, drawing on his experience to comment on the challenges facing large industrial companies in the U.S. and globally.
Winner | Pace Award for Leadership in Business Ethics
2010
Recognised with the Pace Award for Leadership in Business Ethics in 2010 for upholding strong ethical standards within a large-scale industrial organisation under Louis Chênevert’s leadership.
In his 2014 Concordia honorary doctorate address, Louis Chênevert reflects on his career in aerospace and outlines his views on disciplined execution, long-term investment, and leadership responsibility.
