Lockheed Martin Announces New F-35 and Program Management Leaders

Rhea-AI Summary

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has announced leadership changes within its F-35 Lightning II Program. Bridget Lauderdale has been appointed vice president and general manager, succeeding Greg Ulmer, who moved to executive vice president on Feb. 1. Doug Wilhelm will take over as permanent vice president and deputy general manager of the F-35 Program. Bill Brotherton, previously acting vice president, is now vice president of Aeronautics Enterprise Performance. These changes, effective April 12, aim to enhance program performance and customer engagement.

Positive

• Appointment of experienced leaders like Bridget Lauderdale is expected to strengthen the F-35 Program.
• Leadership changes are part of Lockheed Martin's strategic succession planning, suggesting robust management continuity.

Negative

• None.

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced today Bridget Lauderdale, currently vice president and general manager for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' Integrated Fighter Group (IFG), including the F-16 and F-22, has been named vice president and general manager of the F-35 Lightning II Program. Lauderdale succeeds Greg Ulmer, who was promoted to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics executive vice president on Feb. 1. Doug Wilhelm, currently acting vice president and deputy general manager of the F-35 Program, will assume this position permanently.

Additionally, Bill Brotherton, who has been serving as the acting F-35 vice president and general manager, has been named to a new role as vice president, Aeronautics Enterprise Performance. He will oversee Program Management processes and resources to ensure strong program performance across the enterprise. This includes oversight of cost, schedule, and performance reporting for Aeronautics.

A proven leader for more than 25 years, Lauderdale has successfully led business development, program management, engineering, and customer engagement experiences, across Lockheed Martin. In her new role, she will be responsible for partnering with domestic and international customers to ensure the F-35 program delivers the most affordable 5^th Generation aircraft in production, advances capability through a stable modernization program; and increases availability while reducing overall operational and sustainment costs.

"Bridget, Bill and Doug are seasoned leaders, uniquely qualified to lead these critical business programs. Their selection showcases the strength and depth of Lockheed Martin's leadership succession planning," said Greg Ulmer, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "They bring a deep understanding of the Aeronautics' portfolio and strong customer relationships. Key leadership transitions like this allow us to accelerate our ability to meet the urgent needs of our customers around the globe and, together, we will work tirelessly on our many game-changing products and services that support our warfighters."

A successor for Lauderdale's IFG role will be named later. OJ Sanchez, vice president F-22 program, will serve as the acting IFG vice president and general manager in the interim. These changes will be effective April 12. 

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest announcements and news across the corporation.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

FAQ

Who has been appointed to lead the F-35 Lightning II Program at Lockheed Martin?

Bridget Lauderdale has been appointed as the vice president and general manager of the F-35 Lightning II Program.

What are the effective dates for the new leadership changes at Lockheed Martin's F-35 Program?

The changes will be effective on April 12.

Who succeeded Greg Ulmer as head of the F-35 Program at Lockheed Martin?

Bridget Lauderdale succeeded Greg Ulmer as vice president and general manager of the F-35 Program.

What role will Doug Wilhelm assume at Lockheed Martin?

Doug Wilhelm will take over as permanent vice president and deputy general manager of the F-35 Program.

What position has Bill Brotherton been named to at Lockheed Martin?

Bill Brotherton has been named vice president of Aeronautics Enterprise Performance.