Former Exelis CEO named to AIA post

David Melcher, the former CEO of Exelis Inc., won’t be languishing on the sidelines for long now that his company has been absorbed by Harris Corp.

Melcher has been tapped to be the president and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association. He starts his new job on June 8.

Harris’ $4.75 billion acquisition of Exelis closed on May 29.

At AIA, Melcher takes over from Marion Blakely, who departed in February to become president and CEO of Rolls Royce North America. She led the organization for seven years.

In picking Melcher, AIA Chairman David Joyce cited his corporate and military experience. Melcher served in the Army for 32 years before joining ITT. He became CEO of Exelis when ITT spun off that business in 2011.

“With Dave’s guidance, AIA will continue to champion the aerospace and defense industry and its ability to advance innovation in civil aviation, space and defense,” said Joyce, who also is the president and CEO of GE Aviation.

Melcher also was a member of AIA’s board, so he is well known at the organization.

“Our nation currently faces a number of critical global challenges and we must have a strong, vibrant aerospace and defense industry to keep our men and women in uniform safe and successful on the battlefield, ensure that more than two million airline passengers travel safely and efficiently every day, and enable humankind to explore the frontiers of space,” Melcher said in an AIA statement.