Professional Summary
Eric Woodward holds the position of Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Guardian Industries, a role he has occupied since August 2021. He is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, where Guardian Industries is headquartered. His tenure at Guardian Industries spans over 15 years, beginning in 2008, during which he has ascended through multiple senior leadership roles within finance and development before taking on the CIO position.
Current Role and Responsibilities
As the CIO of Guardian Industries, Eric Woodward oversees the company's information technology strategy and execution, leading an Information Technology Team comprising 3 members. He reports to senior management and has at least one direct report: Michel Mysiorek, IT Director - Commercial & Enterprise Product Delivery. Woodward is also part of the Leadership Team at Guardian, a group consisting of 3 members.
His scope of responsibility encompasses developing and managing IT infrastructure and strategic initiatives aligned with the company's corporate objectives. Prior to assuming the CIO role, Woodward served as:
- Vice President of Strategic Planning & Analysis
- Managing Director of Business Development
In these capacities, he managed significant financial transactions, treasury operations, and corporate divestitures, demonstrating a strong blend of financial acumen and leadership in corporate development.
Career History and Experience
- Guardian Industries (2008–Present): Woodward's progression from senior finance and development roles to CIO highlights deep institutional knowledge and cross-functional expertise.
- Stout Risius Ross, Inc.: Experience in corporate finance and development, providing advisory and analytical skills in financial transactions.
- Sprint Nextel: Roles focused on financial operations further underpin his finance background.
- Rhythms NetConnections: Leadership of a network operations team indicates early exposure to technology infrastructure and operational management.
Education
- MBA, University of Notre Dame - Mendoza College of Business
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Michigan State University
These academic credentials complement his combined experience in corporate finance and IT leadership.
Company Overview: Guardian Industries
Guardian Industries is a diversified manufacturing company specializing in float glass, fabricated glass products, fiberglass insulation, and other building materials. Their products serve commercial and residential construction as well as the automotive markets. The company operates with a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees and maintains a significant footprint in the construction industry. Guardian’s corporate headquarters is located in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Professional Network and Visibility
- Eric Woodward maintains a professional network exceeding 500 connections on LinkedIn, emphasizing his well-established industry relationships.
- His LinkedIn profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-woodward-5772bab) corroborates his long-standing affiliation with Guardian Industries and educational background.
Relevant Insights for Engagement
Woodward’s combined expertise in strategic financial management and technology leadership positions him at a crucial intersection of business and IT within Guardian Industries. His leadership in managing capital projects, treasury operations, and divestitures aligns with significant corporate growth and operational efficiency initiatives. This background suggests a priority focus on IT systems that advance Guardian’s business objectives, financial controls, and scalable infrastructure.
His relatively recent assumption of the CIO role (since 2021) implies active involvement in contemporary digital transformation programs and technology modernization efforts within Guardian.
Summary: Eric Woodward is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in both corporate finance and information technology leadership at Guardian Industries. His role as CIO since August 2021, combined with his deep financial and strategic planning background, underscores his influence on the company’s operational and technological direction. Educated at top-tier institutions and positioned in a leadership role at a major manufacturing firm with over 10,000 employees, Woodward is a key stakeholder for initiatives involving enterprise IT strategy, business development, and financial oversight within Guardian Industries.
