Serving in this role since 2022, Hughes is responsible for driving alignment of HII’s talent and culture strategies with business priorities and values. As a member of the senior leadership team, Hughes oversees talent acquisition, management and succession planning; leadership development; compensation; benefits; employee and labor relations; and organizational effectiveness.

Previously, Hughes was vice president, human resources & administration for HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division, where he was responsible for leading all aspects of the human resources function related to the attraction, development and retention of the workforce.

Before joining HII, Hughes was director of human resources for the North America Braking & Suspension product line of TRW, which included responsibilities for all HR services for 13 manufacturing plants. He also has human resource and leadership experience with General Motors and TRW Automotive.

Hughes holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Tougaloo College and an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He serves on the boards of Virginia Chamber of Commerce and Virginia Early Childhood Foundation. He was chair of the board of trustees at Tougaloo College and 2024-2025 United Way of Virginia Peninsula, Campaign Cabinet.