Northrop Grumman names four VPs to new roles within its information systems sector

Northrop Grumman Corp. announced on July 1 the appointment of four vice presidents within the company’s information systems sector. Effective April 29, Bobby Lentz was named sector vice president for strategy. The appointments of Tom Afferton, vice president for operations in the civil division; Jay Grove, vice president of business development in the communications division; and Michael King, vice president of business development in the civil division, were effective June 28.

The appointments of these leaders further strengthen the company’s focus on strategic growth opportunities and operational excellence across its divisions.

Lentz is responsible for defining the information systems sector’s strategy for profitable growth and helping it to achieve its performance objectives. He also oversees strategic planning, innovation and portfolio management, including developing the sector’s long-range strategic plan, driving strategic initiatives, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, and special projects. He will report to Kathy Warden, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Information Systems.

Lentz has long experience in strategy and market analysis, and has more than 20 years of experience in the aerospace and government contracting industry. Previously, he served as director of strategy for the information systems sector’s defense systems division.

Afferton will report to Ed Sturms, vice president and general manager of the civil division, and will be responsible for leading and optimizing internal operations and resources to achieve long- and short-term strategic goals and objectives. He has expertise in global strategy, technology, engineering and program management, and most recently served as director of the public safety solutions operating unit within the information system sector’s cyber solutions division.

Grove will report to Jeannie Hilger, vice president and general manager of the communications division. He will be responsible for leading customer-focused engagement initiatives and capturing new business to achieve profitable growth objectives in support of global defense customer missions. Grove most recently led the avionics and tactical networks operating unit for the information systems sector’s defense systems division.

King, who will also report to Sturms, will be responsible for building and maintaining strong customer relationships and executing a successful business development strategy to achieve profitable growth through the identification, qualification, shaping and pursuit of new business opportunities across a global portfolio. Most recently, King served as director, strategy and initiatives for the information systems sector’s cyber solutions division.