BAE Systems on October 26 announced the appointment of Linda Hudson as chief operating officer, BAE Systems plc, and president and CEO of BAE Systems Inc. Linda was previously president of BAE Systems’ Land & Armaments Operating Group and succeeds General Tony Zinni (USMC retired), who was appointed as the acting president and CEO of BAE Systems Inc. in June 2009. Zinni will stay on to facilitate a smooth and effective transition and will continue to serve as the chairman of the BAE Systems board.
Hudson has been appointed as an executive director of BAE Systems plc and will continue to serve on BAE Systems’ Executive Committee, reporting to both BAE Systems plc chief executive Ian King and Zinni.
“Linda is a highly respected and acknowledged global business leader with a wealth of experience managing businesses that have a diverse portfolio of programs,” said King. “Under her leadership, the Land & Armaments Operating Group has developed into a global business and is now the world’s largest manufacturer of land systems. Linda’s excellent leadership and knowledge of the defense industry will significantly benefit our business as we continue to deliver our strategy in support of our customers. I would also like to thank Tony Zinni for his excellent stewardship of BAE Systems Inc. and we look forward to his continued service as the chairman of BAE Systems Inc.”
Zinni added, “We are extremely proud that a leader of Linda’s caliber will take BAE Systems, Inc. into the future as we work with our customers to ensure their challenges are understood and met.”
Hudson has served as Land & Armaments Operating Group president since January 2007 having joined BAE Systems in December 2006.
Bob Murphy, executive vice president of Land & Armaments, has been appointed acting president of Land & Armaments pending the appointment of a permanent successor to Hudson.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.