Northrop board elects Warden chair

Northrop Grumman's board of directors chooses CEO Kathy Warden to be chairman.

Northrop Grumman said Tuesday that its board of directors has elected CEO Kathy Warden as chairman, effective Aug. 1.

Warden will succeed the retiring Wes Bush, who stepped down as chief executive of the defense company at the end of last year as part of that succession plan.

Former Sempra Energy CEO Donald Felsinger continues as Northrop lead independent director. He was elected to the board in 2007.