Lockheed Names Larry Lawson Executive VP, Aeronautics

27.01.2012 New Appointments
Lockheed Names Larry Lawson Executive VP, Aeronautics

Lockheed Names Larry Lawson Executive VP, Aeronautics

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Lockheed Martin announced that its Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Larry A. Lawson to serve as the Executive Vice President of the Aeronautics business area.

The appointment follows the announcement of Ralph D. Heath’s retirement. The transition is effective on April 1, 2012.

“Under Ralph Heath’s leadership the Aeronautics business area has grown significantly and has delivered critical global security products and technologies to our U.S. and international customers,” said Bob Stevens, Chairman and CEO.

“Ralph has been a key member of our senior leadership team known equally for his operational performance, character and leadership; he leaves a strong legacy and we wish him the best in his retirement,” he added.

Heath retires after a distinguished 37-year career with the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics business area and its heritage companies. In addition to leading the consolidation of the 3 business units to create the current Aeronautics business area, Heath led the revitalization of the C-130 program, international expansion of the F-16 program, and the development and delivery of the F-22 and F-35 fighter aircraft to secure the long-term future of the business. Since becoming Executive Vice President of Aeronautics in 2005, Heath has been instrumental in creating a business culture defined by ethics and integrity and creating an inclusive workforce that values creativity, innovation and diversity. Heath is a U.S. Army veteran and qualified Airborne Ranger.

“Larry brings a keen understanding of our customers’ expectations and a proven track record of driving and delivering program and operational performance excellence,” said Stevens. “We have absolute confidence that, under Larry’s leadership, Aeronautics will continue the design, delivery and sustainment of affordable military aircraft and advanced development programs.”

Lawson, currently the Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 program, will be succeeded by Orlando Carvalho, who currently serves as Vice President and Deputy, F-35 Program. Lorraine Martin will succeed Carvalho as vice president and deputy for the F-35 program; she is currently the vice president, C-130 program. George Shultz, currently vice president of Modernization programs for Aeronautics, will become the new vice president for the C-130 program.

Lawson has held a broad range of positions of increasing responsibility in his career of more than 32 years in aerospace. Prior to leading the F-35 program, he served as Vice President and General Manager of the F-22 Raptor program, and Vice President of Business Development for Lockheed Martin’s Electronic Systems business area. Lawson started his career with McDonnell Douglas, and in 1986 joined Martin Marietta, where he served in various technical and managerial roles in capturing, developing and producing air-to-air and air-to-ground weapon systems.

Lawson holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University, a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri, is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program and an MIT Seminar XXI Fellow. He also serves on the Air Force Association board of directors, is a senior member of AIAA and holds patents in advanced signal processing.
 



 
 

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