Linda Hudson named to lead BAE Systems

Linda Hudson has been named chief operating officer at BAE Systems plc, and president and chief executive officer of BAE Systems Inc., the defense contractor announced today.

Hudson, who succeeds retired Marine Corps Gen. Tony Zinni, previously was president of BAE Systems’ Land and Armaments Operating Group.

Zinni will stay on to facilitate a smooth and effective transition and will continue to serve as chairman of the board of BAE Systems Inc., the company said.

Hudson also has been appointed an executive director of BAE Systems plc and will continue to serve on BAE Systems’ Executive Committee, reporting to BAE Systems plc CEO Ian King and to Zinni.

Zinni, a member of the BAE Systems Inc. board, became acting president and CEO of BAE in June 2009, upon the sudden resignation of CEO Walt Havenstein, who took the CEO post at Science Applications International Corp.

Hudson has served as Land and Armaments Operating Group president since January 2007, having joined BAE Systems in December 2006.

“Under her leadership, the Land and Armaments Operating Group has developed into a global business and is now the world’s largest manufacturer of land systems,” Ian King, BAE Systems chief executive, said in the statement.

Bob Murphy, executive vice president of Land and Armaments, has been named acting president of the division pending the appointment of Hudson’s permanent successor.

BAE Systems Inc., of Rockville, Md., ranks No. 14 on Washington Technology’s 2009 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.