Lockheed Martin [LMT] on Monday named Bridget Lauderdale as the new head of its F-35 strike fighter program, succeeding Greg Ulmer, who became executive vice president of the company’s Aeronautics group on Feb. 1 following the death earlier this year of Michele Evans.
Lauderdale is currently vice president and general manager of Aeronautics’ Integrated Fighter Group, which is responsible for the development, manufacture and sustainment of the F-16 and F-22 fighter programs. Lauderdale was named head of the Integrated Fighter Group in March 2019 after services as vice president of F-35 Global Sustainment.
As the new F-35 vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin said that Lauderdale “will be responsible for partnering with domestic and international customers to ensure the F-35 program delivers the most affordable fifth generation aircraft in production, advances capability through a stable modernization program, and increases availability while reducing overall operational and sustainment costs.”
Lauderdale has held a number of other roles within Lockheed Martin including senior vice president of Corporate Strategy & Business Development, vice president for Aeronautics Operations, vice president and general manger for F-16 and F-2 fighters, and vice president for F-22 Product Development.
The company also said that Doug Wilhelm, who has been acting as vice president and deputy general manager of the F-35 program, will keep this position permanently.
The F-35 is Lockheed Martin’s largest program in terms of annual revenue.
Bill Brotherton, who has been acting as vice president and general manager of the F-35 program since last December, assumes a new role as vice president of Aeronautics Enterprise Performance. Brotherton’s job within Aeronautics will have him managing program management processes and resources, including cost, schedule and performance reporting.
Brotherton previously was vice president of Business Operations at Aeronautics and before that led the company’s Commercial Engine Solutions business.
The new appointments are effective April 12.
“Bridget, Bill and Doug are seasoned leaders, uniquely qualified to lead these critical business programs,” Ulmer said in a statement. “Their selection showcases the strength and depth of Lockheed Martin’s leadership succession planning. They bring a deep understanding of the Aeronautics’ portfolio and strong customer relationships.”
Lockheed Martin said that OJ Sanchez, vice president of the F-22 program, will service as the acting head of the Integrated Fighter Group until a successor for Lauderdale is named.