Lockheed Martin announces James Taiclet as next president and CEO

The board of directors of Bethesda, MD-based Lockheed Martin announced on March 16 that it has elected James D. Taiclet, 59, as president and CEO, effective June 15. Taiclet will continue to serve as a member of the corporation’s board, which he joined in 2018. He has served as chairman, president and CEO of American Tower Corporation since 2004 and CEO since 2003. During that time, American Tower grew significantly and increased its market capitalization from approximately $2 billion to approximately $100 billion. Taiclet guided the company’s transformation from a primarily U.S. business to a global player in its industry, with significant assets and operations in 19 countries. 

Taiclet will succeed Marillyn Hewson, 66, who has served as chairman, president and CEO since 2014 and president and CEO since 2013. Hewson will become executive chairman of the board, also effective June 15, subject to her re-election to the board by the stockholders at the upcoming annual meeting. 

“I know it is the right time to transition the leadership of Lockheed Martin. The corporation is strong, as evidenced by our outstanding financial results last year and a record backlog of business. We have a bright future – particularly with Jim and our outstanding leadership team at the helm,” said Hewson. “I’m pleased the board agreed with my recommendation. As Lockheed Martin’s next CEO, Jim will lead the company forward in its next phase of growth and value creation.” 

Prior to joining American Tower in 2001, Taiclet was president of Honeywell Aerospace Services, a unit of Honeywell International, and prior to that was vice president, engine services at Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corporation. He was also previously a consultant at McKinsey & Company, specializing in telecommunications and aerospace strategy and operations. Taiclet began his career as a United States Air Force officer and pilot and served a tour of duty in the Gulf War. He holds a master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton University, where he was awarded a fellowship at the Woodrow Wilson School and is a distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Academy with degrees in engineering and international relations. 

“I’m honored to be asked to succeed one of the most respected CEOs in America. While serving on Lockheed Martin’s board, I’ve not only been impressed by the company’s continued growth as a leader in aerospace & defense but also by the dedication and commitment of Marillyn and Lockheed Martin employees to deliver for its customers,” said Taiclet. “As a military veteran, I understand the mission of this great company to provide global security and innovative solutions for the brave men and women who protect our freedom.”

Frank St. John, 53, the current executive vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) business, was elected by the board to serve as chief operating officer. Stephanie Hill, 55, senior vice president, Enterprise Business Transformation, was appointed to succeed St. John as executive vice president, RMS. Their appointments are also effective June 15.

Reporting to the new CEO and president, the COO will be responsible for the strategic, operational and financial performance of all the corporation’s lines of business. All four business area executive vice presidents – Aeronautics, Rotary and Mission Systems, Space and Missiles and Fire Control – will report to the COO. This includes the corporation’s entire portfolio of products and capabilities totaling almost $60 billion in sales.

St. John joined Lockheed Martin more than 30 years ago and took on roles of increasing responsibility in engineering and program management before joining the corporation’s executive leadership team. Most recently, he has served as executive vice president of RMS and prior to that as executive vice president of Missiles and Fire Control. 

Hill has served as senior vice president, Enterprise Business Transformation, where she led the corporation’s Digital Transformation and Enterprise Information Technology teams. Prior to that, Hill was deputy executive vice president of RMS and senior vice president for corporate strategy and business development. She held positions of increasing responsibility since joining Lockheed Martin in 1987 as a software engineer.

“Marillyn and the board have been focused on developing talent and ensuring a high-quality succession plan,” said Dan Akerson, Lockheed Martin’s lead director. “On behalf of the board and our shareholders, we would like to thank Marillyn for demonstrating a strong commitment to the customer, shaping the company’s portfolio to meet the challenges of today’s global security environment and growing the business and driving long-term sustainable growth.”

Source: Lockheed Martin