Jim Taiclet, at left, with other Lockheed Martin employees
Lockheed Martin officially has a new CEO. Jim Taiclet, a former CEO of American Tower, succeeded Marillyn A. Hewson, CEO of Lockheed since 2013.
“I’m excited to join this talented, mission-driven and global team,” wrote Taiclet in a statement posted to his LinkedIn account. “Together, we’re committed to advancing technology and giving our men and women in uniform the best systems and equipment they deserve to execute their missions and come home safe. I am honored to lead the team, excited to work with our customers and partners, and eager to connect with many of you here,” he wrote.
Taiclet, an Air Force veteran, served as President of Honeywell Aerospace Services for 2 years before moving on to American Tower, a company dedicated to constructing telecommunications equipment including cell phone towers. According to Lockheed Martin, Taiclet oversaw American Tower’s market capitalization grow from $2 billion to more than $100 billion.
Hewson presided over the military, defense, and aerospace company’s acquisition of Sikorsky Aircraft in 2015 and the expansion of Lockheed Martin’s lucrative F-35 program. She will remain at the company as executive chairman of the board of directors. In March, when the transition was announced, Taiclet said he was “honored” to succeed “one of the most respected CEOs in America.”
Hewson, in a letter released in March, said that she had recommended Taiclet to the board personally. Hewson also wrote that it was important for her to leave the company while Lockheed Martin was “financially strong.” She will remain at the company as chairman of the board.
