Top General Counsels to Watch in 2022: CAES’ Bruce Almquist

Bruce Almquist

Senior Vice President & General Counsel, CAES

With more than 36 years of legal experience, Bruce Almquist leads CAES’ team responsibilities, including ethics, global trade compliance and industrial security. He and his team support the company’s over $1 billion aerospace and defense business with more than 3,500 employees in 12 sites across the country.  

“My role as SVP and general counsel is very rewarding,” he said. “This job provides me with the opportunity to work with CAES employees across the country, and I enjoy learning about our business.”

In his role, Almquist has recruited and built a stellar team over the past two years that includes legal and compliance.  

“I believe the key to success for a legal function is to be aligned to the business objectives, be results oriented, practical and anticipatory,” Almquist said. “CAES is a dynamic and fast-paced environment and the people in this company are great, which makes being part of CAES so much fun.” 

Mike Kahn, CEO of CAES, said Almquist is an integral part of how the company is driving positive change and helping CAES be successful.  

“As a key member of the executive leadership team at CAES, Bruce does an excellent job at finding new ways to better the business, ensure our compliance, and be a trusted partner of choice across our customers and stakeholders,” Kahn said. 

Why Watch 

With only two in-house lawyers, Almquist and his Associate General Counsel Kim Withers must be flexible and adaptable to deal with the wide variety of legal issues that face the business.

The larger legal and compliance team, which includes global trade, ethics and industrial security, is focused on supporting growth through acquisitions. The team is also looking to enhance companywide ethics, global trade, security and cybersecurity compliance posture, while improving processes and tools used within legal and with internal clients.

“I am proud to be part of a growing, customer-focused company which values inclusiveness of all employees,” Almquist said. “My staff has a strong sense of belonging, are engaged and empowered; and people are valued not just on my team, but at CAES.”

See the entire Top General Counsels to Watch in 2022 list here.