General Dynamics names new president and COO

General Dynamics’ board of directors has elected Phebe Novakovic president and chief operating officer reporting to Jay Johnson, chairman and CEO.

The appointment is effective May 2, the company announcement said.

Novakovic, who became an executive vice president at General Dynamics in May 2010, is responsible for the Marine Systems group, which includes three companies: Bath Iron Works, Electric Boat and NASSCO.

She had served as senior vice president for planning and development since July 2005 and was responsible for government relations, communications, international, investor relations and strategic planning.

Novakovic also has served as vice president for strategic planning, a position to which she was appointed in October 2002.

“As president and chief operating officer, Phebe will assist me with the oversight and management of the company’s business groups as well as its headquarters operations,” Johnson said in announcing the board’s action.

General Dynamics Corp., of Falls Church, Va., ranks No. 5 on Washington Technology’s 2011 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.