Linda Hudson, chief executive of the U.S. operations of BAE Systems, will retire by March of next year, the company said Tuesday.
The 62-year old has served as CEO of BAE Systems since 2009 and will remain a member of the company’s executive board as an outside director through April 2015. The aerospace and defense manufacturer will search for a replacement while Hudson temporarily remains in her position to ease the transition to a new chief executive.
Hudson began her career with Harris Corp. and has also served in senior management positions at General Dynamics. She first joined BAE Systems in 2007 as president of its land and armaments operating group.
“She has led the transformation of BAE Systems, Inc. by streamlining the organization, reducing costs, increasing efficiency and speed to market, and diversifying the company’s portfolio of products and services. She has done this while leading a culture change with a focus on delivering strong business performance and efficiency," said Ian King, chief executive at BAE Systems plc.