Nicholas Howley

Early Life

W. Nicholas Howley was born in 1963. He earned his B.S. in mechanical engineering from Drexel University in 1975 and his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1979.

Rise to Success

Howley co-founded TransDigm Group in 1993, originally known as TD Holding Corporation. The company was created to acquire and consolidate several industrial aerospace companies. Through strategic acquisitions, TransDigm expanded its range of manufactured aerospace components. TransDigm made its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in 2006.

Key Business Strategies

TransDigm's success is largely attributed to its acquisition-driven approach, focusing on purchasing smaller firms that produce proprietary aerospace products with significant aftermarket demand. The company has acquired more than 60 businesses in its first 25 years of operations. TransDigm also focuses on disciplined pricing and cost controls.

Philanthropy

Howley is a co-founder of The Howley Family Foundation, which provides education grants. He pioneered and funded the development of both the Cristo Rey Howley Scholarship Program and a new network wide student retention program.