GD picks insider to lead information systems group

General Dynamics has named David K. Heebner group executive of its Information Systems and Technology Group. He replaces Gerard DeMuro, who retired from the company Feb. 28.

Heebner was executive vice president and group executive of General Dynamics’ Combat Systems group, and his promotion to the information systems group kicked off a series of changes.

He will be replaced at combat systems by Mark C. Roualet, president of General Dynamics Land Systems. Gary L. Whited, senior vice president and general manager for General Dynamics Land Systems’ domestic operations, will succeed Roualet has president.

All appointments are effective immediately, the company said in a release.

DeMuro's retirement came after a brutal 2012 for information systems group. It lost $1.2 billion in revenue for the year, falling to $10 billion from $11.2 billion in 2011. Operating earnings took an even bigger hit, reporting a loss of $1.4 billion in 2012, compared to a profit of $1.2 billion in 2011. The bulk of that loss was a write off of $2 billion in value related to acquisitions made by the group.

Novakovic praised the new appointments as "seasoned executives who reflect the strength and breadth of the General Dynamics management team."

Heebner became executive vice president and group executive for Combat Systems in May 2010, the company said. He has also been group executive of GD’s Marine Systems group, president of General Dynamics Land Systems, as well as a number of other leadership positions within the company.

He takes over a group that is comprised of three main units:

• General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, led by Lou Von Thaer.
• General Dynamics C4 Systems,  led by Chris Marzilli.
• General Dynamics Information Technology, led by S. Daniel Johnson.