Mr. Howley is an original founder of and is Executive Chairman of TransDigm Group Inc. (NYSE: TDG). TransDigm owns and operates a broad range of aerospace manufacturing businesses and has acquired thirty-seven such businesses since its formation in 1993.  Prior to founding TDG, Mr. Howley worked for Imo Industries (a NYSE Industrial Conglomerate) from 1988 to 1993 first as the Corporate Director of Finance and then as General Manager of the AeroProducts Divisions. Prior to 1988, he held a range of general management, manufacturing, engineering, and international marketing jobs in the engineered service, oil drilling equipment, defense, and farm machinery industries.

Mr. Howley is a director of Satair A/S (SAT/The Nordic Exchange) and Polypore Inc. (PPO/NYSE); he is a trustee of Case Western Reserve University, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Gilmour Academy and St. Martin de Porres High School. Mr. Howley received his B.S. degree in Engineering (mechanical) from Drexel University in 1975 and an MBA from Harvard University in 1979.