GM Defense Announces JD Johnson as New Vice President, Business Development

Rhea-AI Summary

GM Defense LLC has appointed Lieutenant General (Retired) John "JD" Johnson as vice president of Business Development, effective immediately. Johnson brings over 35 years of military experience and leadership positions within the U.S. Army and Raytheon. He will be tasked with identifying growth opportunities within defense and government sectors, enhancing customer engagement, and developing strategic plans. GM Defense also recently secured a $36.4 million contract to build Large Support Utility Commercial Vehicles for the U.S. Department of State.

Positive

• Appointment of JD Johnson as vice president of Business Development expected to enhance growth opportunities in military and government sectors.
• Recent contract win of $36.4 million to develop Large Support Utility Commercial Vehicles marks significant business advancement.

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors, today announced that Lieutenant General (Retired) John "JD" Johnson has joined the company's growing leadership team as vice president of Business Development. Johnson will be responsible for identifying growth opportunities among military and government customers that align with GM Defense's core capabilities, including integrated vehicles, power and propulsion, and mobility and autonomy. He will also lead customer engagements and develop strategic plans to win competitive pursuits in the defense and government markets in the United States and abroad.

Johnson spent more than 35 years in the U.S. Army, holding numerous senior positions within the Department of Defense, including director of the Department of Defense's Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization and Commander of Eighth Army in the Republic of Korea.

After his years of active service in uniform, Johnson entered the private sector and held numerous leadership posts within Raytheon, most recently holding the position of acting vice president of Customer Engagement and Solutions, and previously serving as vice president of U.S. Government Integrated Solutions for Raytheon Intelligence & Space and vice president of Business Development for U.S. Army and Special Operations.

Johnson comes to General Motors with a deep knowledge of the Department of Defense customer, a multitude of relationships with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, as well as within each of the Military Services, and also provides GM with a wealth of knowledge about the international military market.

"JD will play an integral role accelerating our relationships within the national security community, as well as expanding our partner dialogues and growing our global pipeline," said Stephen S. duMont, president of GM Defense. "JD brings a robust understanding of defense acquisitions, specifically how to shape and grow programs that provide enduring value to our warfighters. Having someone with JD's impressive background and capabilities at the helm of Business Development will greatly improve our ability to bring innovative solutions to our defense and government customers. I'm extremely excited to have JD on the GM Defense leadership team."

Johnson will assume the role from Angela Ambrose, who has served as interim vice president of Business Development since March 2020. She will resume her regular duties of vice president of Government Relations and Communications effective immediately.

GM Defense recently won a contract to develop and validate next-generation Large Support Utility Commercial Vehicles (SUV) for future fleet production in support of the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service. The Infantry Squad Vehicle, a light and agile nine-troop carrier based off the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, is the company's first program of record, awarded by the U.S. Army in 2020.

As part of GM's Global Innovation organization, GM Defense will continue to leverage GM's vast investments and proven capabilities to bring new, innovative solutions to the government and defense sector, creating growth opportunities for the company. For the latest GM Defense news, please visit www.GMDefenseLLC.com and follow GM Defense on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About GM Defense LLC

GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power & propulsion, and mobility & autonomy solutions to global defense, security and government markets. The exceptional reliability of GM Defense's technologies results from decades of proven performance and billions of dollars spent in independent research and development by its parent, General Motors, a world leader in global design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

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SOURCE GM Defense LLC

FAQ

What is the significance of JD Johnson's appointment at GM Defense?

JD Johnson's appointment as vice president of Business Development will enhance GM Defense's ability to engage with military and government customers, leveraging his extensive experience.

What contract did GM Defense recently secure?

GM Defense secured a $36.4 million contract to develop Large Support Utility Commercial Vehicles for the U.S. Department of State.

What are the main responsibilities of JD Johnson at GM Defense?

JD Johnson will identify growth opportunities, lead customer engagements, and develop strategic plans for competitive pursuits in the defense sector.

How does GM Defense plan to innovate under JD Johnson's leadership?

Under JD Johnson's leadership, GM Defense aims to leverage General Motors' investments and capabilities to bring innovative solutions to government and defense markets.

When did JD Johnson's role at GM Defense become effective?

JD Johnson's role as vice president of Business Development became effective immediately following the announcement on October 7, 2021.