The Honorable Kelly A. Ayotte Elected Chair of BAE Systems, Inc. Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

BAE Systems, Inc. has announced the election of Kelly A. Ayotte as the new Chair of its Board of Directors for a three-year term. Ayotte, a former U.S. Senator, has been a board member since June 2017 and brings significant experience in national defense. She succeeds Michael Chertoff, the former Secretary of Homeland Security, who served in this role since April 2012. BAE Systems operates under a Special Security Agreement with the U.S. government, ensuring compliance with security and export regulations critical for national defense.

Positive

• Kelly A. Ayotte's election as Chair may bring fresh perspectives due to her extensive experience in national defense.
• Her prior board experience and political background could strengthen the company's leadership.

Negative

• The transition from Michael Chertoff raises potential concerns regarding continuity and experience gaps in leadership.

FALLS CHURCH, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BAE Systems, Inc. today announced that former U.S. Senator and current board member Kelly A. Ayotte was elected as the new Chair of the BAE Systems, Inc. Board of Directors for a three-year term. Ayotte was first appointed to the BAE Systems, Inc. Board in June 2017.

“As a board member, Senator Ayotte’s substantial experience in national defense and security have helped guide our work to support our customers’ most critical missions,” said Tom Arseneault, president and CEO of BAE Systems, Inc. “We look forward to the leadership and stewardship she will provide in this expanded role as Chair of our Board.”

She succeeds former Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, whose term as Chair of the BAE Systems, Inc. Board concludes this month. Chertoff has served as Chair since April 2012 and as a member of the Board since May 2010.

Charles Woodburn, group chief executive of BAE Systems plc, said, “We are deeply grateful for Secretary Chertoff’s contributions to BAE Systems. His distinguished leadership as Chair has helped our Company, our customers, and our allies navigate through a time of increasingly complex global security challenges.”

BAE Systems, Inc., a U.S. corporation, operates under a Special Security Agreement (SSA) among the U.S. Government, BAE Systems, Inc., and BAE Systems plc. The agreement calls for the appointment of outside directors who help to oversee the Company’s compliance with U.S. government security and export regulations, thereby allowing BAE Systems to supply products and services to the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, Homeland Security, and other agencies involved in U.S. national defense.

A complete list of the Inc. Board of Directors is available on the Company’s website.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211213005671/en/

For more information, please contact:

Veronica Bonilla, BAE Systems

Mobile: 571-488-0456

veronica.bonilla@baesystems.com

www.baesystems.com/US

@BAESystemsInc

Source: BAE Systems, Inc.

FAQ

Who is the new Chair of BAE Systems, Inc.?

Kelly A. Ayotte has been elected as the new Chair of BAE Systems, Inc. Board of Directors.

What experience does Kelly A. Ayotte bring to BAE Systems?

Ayotte has a substantial background in national defense and security from her time as a U.S. Senator.

When did Kelly A. Ayotte join the BAE Systems Board?

Kelly A. Ayotte was appointed to the BAE Systems Board in June 2017.

Who did Kelly A. Ayotte replace as Chair of BAE Systems?

She succeeded Michael Chertoff, who served as Chair since April 2012.

What is the significance of the Special Security Agreement for BAE Systems?

The Special Security Agreement ensures that BAE Systems complies with U.S. government security and export regulations.