BAE Systems, Inc. on Tuesday said that CEO Jerry DeMuro will step aside next April 1 and be succeeded by Tom Arsenault, the current president and chief operating officer (COO) of the U.S.-based international defense and aerospace company of Britain’s BAE Systems plc.
DeMuro, 63, will move to the new role of executive vice president of Strategic Initiatives and continue to serve on the board of BAE Systems, Inc.
“In this new role, he will provide advice and counsel to Inc. and plc leaders on a number of priority programs, to include chairing the internal program reviews for several key international pursuits,” a BAE Systems, Inc. spokeswoman told Defense Daily in an email response to questions. “Jerry will also continue to advance the defense industry’s positioning regarding evolving cybersecurity requirements.”
DeMuro currently is also an executive director of the BAE Systems plc board and a member of the company’s executive committee, positions he will step down from on March 21, 2020.
DeMuro has served as CEO of the nearly $11 billion U.S.-based business since 2014 after joining the company from General Dynamics [GD], where he led the Information Systems and Technology Group.
Arsenault, 56, who has been with BAE for 22 years, is responsible for the performance of the U.S.-based business’s three sectors. He has also led the Electronic Systems and Product sectors during his tenure with BAE.
BAE Systems, Inc. on its website says Arsenault as the COO “was integral” in the company’s return to profitable growth.
“I would like to thank Jerry for his outstanding leadership since his appointment in 2014, both as a highly effective member of the executive team and a valuable contributor to board discussion and decision making,” Sir Roger Carr, chairman of BAE Systems plc, said in a statement. “In addition, I look forward to Tom joining the board in 2020 knowing that his skills, industry experience, and expertise will be important to the delivery of our operational performance and strategic objectives in the years ahead.”
DeMuro also lauded Arsenault.
“Tom has extensive experience and a deep commitment to our mission, and his selection represents a natural step for our leadership team,” he said in a statement. “Tom knows our business and lives our values, and I’m confident he’s the right person to guide the company into the future and ensure BAE Systems and its dedicated employees continue to thrive and deliver for our customers.”
Arsenault joined BAE in 2000 when the company acquired the New Hampshire-based Sanders unit from Lockheed Martin [LMT]. He is also a member of the executive committee of BAE Systems plc, leading the Program Management Cross Enterprise Council and sharing leadership duties overseeing the global supply chain.
Arsenault will also remain as president when he assumes the CEO role. The company spokeswoman said there are no plans currently to appoint a new COO.