PAUL SMITH, CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER, BAE SYSTEMS

Paul Smith is the Chief Procurement Officer for BAE Systems, responsible for leading the development and implementation of critical procurement practices that enable us to identify and realize significant opportunities for improving our efficiency and maximizing the purchasing power of our global enterprise. 

Before joining BAE Systems in early 2017, Smith spent 22 years at General Electric in various operations and supply chain roles. He spent his last three years in the Power Services business leading procurement for the organization, and managing the sourcing integration with Alstom.

Previously, Smith spent eight years in the Oil & Gas business leading procurement, and later overseeing the operations and supply chain for the Drilling & Surface business. His career at GE began as an intern in GE Aviation, followed by 11 years in manufacturing at GE Power, and culminated in his role as the Plant Manager – Greenville, South Carolina.


He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. During his time with GE, Smith earned both his Master’s in Engineering and MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.