Rolls-Royce names former Air Force officer as new VP

Rolls-Royce has appointed Stephen B. Plummer as executive vice president, Government Business, Rolls-Royce North America, effective immediately. In this role, Plummer is accountable for all aspects of the company’s relationships with the US and Canadian governments. He reports to James M. Guyette, president & CEO, Rolls-Royce North America Inc. and is based at the company’s regional corporate headquarters in Chantilly, VA. Plummer succeeds Michael D. Ryan who will retire from the company on April 1.

Plummer first joined Rolls-Royce in 2003 as senior vice president, Defense Relations for Rolls-Royce North America, responsible for managing the company’s relationship with the US Department of Defense.

"Steve has been a valuable team member from the start, positioning us well with the US Department of Defense and playing a central role in our success on critical national defense programs such at the Joint Strike Fighter, V-22 Osprey and Littoral Combat Ship. Today the US Department of Defense is our largest government customer worldwide and, as our business with governments in the US and Canada continues to grow, his experience and knowledge are more important than ever,” said Guyette.

Plummer is a Director of LibertyWorks (Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.) and serves on the US Air Force Scientific Advisory Board.

Prior to joining Rolls-Royce, Plummer had a distinguished, 34-year career with the US Air Force, culminating as Lt. General- Principal Deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Acquisition. Among his many achievements, he has commanded a fighter squadron, two fighter wings, a joint task force and served as Deputy Director for Operations, Current Readiness and Capabilities, J-3, Joint Chiefs of Staff. During Operation Desert Storm, he was Vice Commander of the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing (Provisional) and flew combat sorties over Iraq and Kuwait.

Plummer holds a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Northern Colorado and is a graduate of Arkansas State University.

“I also want to thank Mike Ryan for his service to Rolls-Royce,” added Guyette. “Since joining the company in 1999, Mike has been an enormous asset to Rolls-Royce in North America, helping to raise our profile with the US Government. We wish him all the best.”

Rolls-Royce operates in four global markets - civil aerospace, defense aerospace, marine and energy. Rolls-Royce has a broad customer base comprising 600 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces and more than 2,000 marine customers, including 70 navies. The company has energy customers in 120 countries. Rolls-Royce is a technology leader, employing around 39,500 people in offices, manufacturing and service facilities in 50 countries.

Rolls-Royce continues to invest in core technologies, products, people and capabilities with the objective of broadening and strengthening the product portfolio, improving efficiency and enhancing the environmental performance of its products. These investments create high barriers to entry.

Annual sales were £7,435m (~$14.8bn) in 2007, of which 55 per cent came from services revenues. The firm and announced order book exceeds £45.9bn (~$91.8bn) of which aftermarket services represent 30 per cent, providing visibility of future levels of activity.

A significant and growing industry player in North America, Rolls-Royce employs nearly 8,000 people at more than 66 US locations in 26 states and seven sites in six Canadian provinces. Annual sales in North America are more than £1.5bn (~$3bn).