Jim Taiclet Lockheed Martin: In major leadership reshuffle at one of the world’s largest defence and aerospace giant, a former military pilot and Gulf War veteran James D. Taiclet Monday assumed the charge of Lockheed Martin Corporation as its new President and CEO.
“As a former military pilot, I understand the mission of this great corporation,” Taiclet said.
“The mission to provide global security and innovative solutions for the brave men and women who protect our freedom.”
Jim Taiclet, 60, a trained military pilot and experienced corporate executive, succeeds Marillyn A. Hewson, who led Lockheed Martin as its Chairman, President and CEO since 2014. Marillyn Hewson, 66, was appointed Lockheed Martin’s CEO in 2013.
James D. Taiclet, who joined Lockheed Martin Corporation’s board in 2018, will continue to serve as a board member, while Marillyn Hewson will become Executive Chairman and will continue to lend support for this major leadership transition.
Jim Taiclet becomes Lockheed Martin CEO at a challenging time
James D Taiclet has assumed the charge of Lockheed Martin at a time when the US military is required to ensure the safety and security of the country and its allies while simultaneously battling the challenges posed by the outbreak of Covid-19 global pandemic.
The Covid-19 pandemic has not only affected the training and exercise schedule of the military but it has also disrupted supply chain and delivery schedule of major weapon systems across the globe.
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The deadly Sars-Cov-2 virus, which was first detected in Wuhan province of China late last year, has killed more than 1,10,000 people in the US and infected more than 2 million people, while the global death toll has crossed 4 million people in less than six months of the outbreak of the pandemic.
“I come into this role at a time when our nation and its allies have been tested globally by new and emerging threats,” Taiclet said.
“Now more than ever, it’s critical we continue to deliver the best systems and equipment in the world,” noted the Gulf War veteran who has also spent two decades in the corporate world in leadership role.
Taiclet joined American Tower Corporation as CEO in 2003, and was elevated to the post of the company’s President and CEO a year later.
Under Jim’s leadership, American Tower increased its market capitalization from $2 billion to more than $100 billion.
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Marillyn A. Hewson
Marillyn Hewson steps down as CEO of Lockheed Martin
Marillyn Hewson, who served the company for the last six years as its Chairman, President and CEO, praised the disciplined leadership transition at US defence and aerospace giant.
“It reflects deliberate and thorough succession planning,” Marillyn Hewson said.
She said the leadership change has been implemented strategically at a time when the corporation was financially strong and well positioned for the future.
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“I have every confidence Jim and his executive leadership team will continue driving sustained success through sound business strategy, strong customer relationships and deep mission focus,” she added.
I’m honored to succeed Marillyn, who is rightfully one of the most respected CEOs in America, and to lead a workforce that is inventing and advancing the technology and security of our future,” Jim Taiclet said.
In his new role, Jim Taiclet will continue to receive support from Marrillyn Hewson as Executive Chairman of the board of directors of Lokcheed Martin Corporation.
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