Performance Drone Works Appoints Shawn Hall as Chief Revenue Officer

Sep 29, 2026

PDW CRO Shawn Hall

Former Naval Aviator and aerospace executive brings more than 25 years of operational, commercial and corporate growth experience to PDW.


HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Sept. 29, 2026 – Performance Drone Works (PDW), a leading U.S. developer and manufacturer of advanced unmanned aircraft systems, today announced the appointment of Shawn Hall as Chief Revenue Officer.

As Chief Revenue Officer, Shawn will lead PDW’s global revenue strategy, including business development, customer engagement and strategic partnerships across the U.S. and allied nations. He will focus on expanding adoption of PDW systems, strengthening relationships with operators and acquisition leaders, and aligning the company’s growth strategy with evolving mission requirements.

Shawn is a former Naval Aviator and brings more than 25 years of experience across aerospace and defense, combining frontline operational leadership with a track record of scaling companies and leading complex strategic initiatives.

“Shawn has spent his career at the intersection of airpower, technology and growth. He knows what operators need and what it takes to move capability from an idea to real-world adoption,” said James Slider, CEO of PDW.  “Our goal is to give operators direct access to decisive airpower when and where they need it. Shawn will lead the growth strategy that turns that vision into fielded capability at scale.”

Before joining PDW, Shawn served as an executive at BETA Technologies, where he led growth efforts across the defense and commercial aircraft markets. He also led mergers and acquisitions and played a key role in the company’s $7.4 billion initial public offering. Shawn also previously served as an executive at BBA Aviation plc, and as a partner at McKinsey & Company, where he led the firm’s Aviation Service Line.

“PDW is building systems around what operators actually need: adaptable capability, deployed quickly and produced at scale,” said Shawn. “I’m excited to join a team that understands the urgency of the mission and is committed to giving the United States and its allies a decisive advantage at the tactical edge.”

Before entering the corporate sector, Shawn spent 11 years in the U.S. Navy. He flew F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets, deployed twice to Iraq, including during the opening airstrikes in 2003, served as a tactics instructor pilot after graduating from TOPGUN, and led various frontline operational and maintenance organizations.

Shawn earned a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy, an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School.