Named to this position in 2022, Hughes is responsible for HII’s human resources strategy; executive and employee compensation; health and welfare; benefits; employee and labor relations; learning and development; talent management and succession planning; talent acquisition; equal employment opportunity; diversity and inclusion; organizational effectiveness; and change management.

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.

Prior to 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 served on the board of directors of the Alabama/Mississippi/LA National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. He also serves as chair of the board of trustees for Tougaloo College. He has been recognized by The Sun Herald as one of the South Mississippi’s Outstanding Community Leaders, by the Coast Young Professionals with the Forever Young Award for mentoring and by our Mississippi magazine as one of the State’s Most Influential African Americans.