WASHINGTON — Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co. of Denver, the world’s biggest space company, is realigning and shuffling senior management in a move billed as the latest in its effort to enhance competitiveness.
The realignment consolidates Lockheed Martin’s military and civil space businesses, while creating a separate commercial operation, the company said in a June 28 press release. The changes are effective July 2, Lockheed Martin spokesman Charles Manor said.
Richard Ambrose will return to Lockheed Martin Space Systems as vice president and deputy, reporting directly to Executive Vice President Joanne Maguire, the company said. Ambrose currently is vice president of Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Solutions-National, but previously managed Space Systems’ Surveillance & Navigation Systems business.
That surveillance and navigation operation will be combined with the company’s Global Communications Systems business to form the Military Space division. Military Space will be led by Mark Valerio, who currently runs Surveillance & Navigation Systems, with Mark Pasquale, currently vice president for the Mobile User Objective System naval satellite program, serving as vice president and deputy.
The Human Space Flight and Sensing and Exploration units will be combined into a Civil Space division led by Jim Crocker, currently the head of sensing and exploration systems. Wanda Sigur, currently vice president of engineering, will become Crocker’s deputy.
Lockheed Martin’s commercial satellite communications business, previously part of Global Communications Systems, will be combined with wind energy programs in a newly created division called Commercial Ventures. Linda Reiners will become vice president of this division, with Charlie Krisch serving as vice president of operations.
John Karas, currently vice president and general manager of Human Space Flight, will become Lockheed Martin Space Systems vice president for business development, replacing Reiners.
Kevin Bilger, currently vice president and general manager of Global Communications Systems, will become vice president of programs and quality.
John Holly, vice president of Missile Defense Systems, will continue to serve in that capacity while also becoming deputy for Strategic & Missile Defense Systems.
Manor said no specific layoffs are planned as part of the realignment. “We can never promise there will not be layoffs,” he said via email June 28. “However, any of a small number of personnel impacted by consolidation of support staffs will have opportunities to explore other positions within Lockheed Martin.”
In a prepared statement, Maguire said the realignment will enable Lockheed Martin Space Systems to “present a more focused voice to our customers; gain efficiencies and enhanced synergies; optimize our business portfolio; and strengthen our competitive posture for new business pursuits.”
