Northrop names leader for Defense Technologies Division

Northrop Grumman Corp. has named Karen Williams vice president and general manager of its newly formed Defense Technologies Division, which is focused on end-to-end support systems and services for defense customers.

It’s one of four divisions within its Information Systems sector, which recently realigned its defense business to form the Defense Technologies Division.

Williams, who reports to Linda Mills, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Information Systems, has an extensive background in the defense market having had lead responsibility in the areas of finance, customer relations and business development, according to a Northrop announcement today.

In this new role, Williams has executive leadership over enterprise solutions and business operations in areas such as global command, control and communications; enterprise infrastructure; cybersecurity and identity management; and business transformation.

Key initiatives of the Defense Technologies Division include solutions for air, space and missile defense systems that integrate legacy, new and future sensors and shooters; information technology solutions for the Defense Department in enterprise IT infrastructure services, cybersecurity, enterprise applications and mission support; and intelligence and cyber solutions, among others.

Williams previously was vice president of Air and Missile Defense Systems directing and integrating all Information Systems programs in support of air and missile defense missions.

Earlier, she was vice president of the company’s Mission Support Systems operating unit.

Williams earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Delaware and a master's degree in procurement and acquisition management from Kogod School of Business at American University.

Northrop Grumman Corp., of Los Angeles, ranks No. 2 on Washington Technology’s 2010 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.