Lockheed Martin UK Chief Executive appointed
Peter Ruddock CB CBE (right), who is currently the UK’s Business Development Director, will assume the leadership of Lockheed Martin UK, which employs more than 3,000 people across 21 sites in the UK, from 4 January, 2016.
It follows the decision by Stephen Ball to retire after 15 years with Lockheed Martin. Stephen, who has been the Chief Executive since 2009, will stand down at the end of this year and continue to support the Corporation’s international business activities until his retirement at the end of July.
Speaking about his intention to retire, Stephen Ball said: “It has been a privilege to lead Lockheed Martin UK and to see the company grow to be a key contributor to the national economy. Peter brings a wealth of experience from his military and business background and I wish him all the best in his new role.”
Prior to joining Lockheed Martin UK in 2011, Peter Ruddock served a full military career with the Royal Air Force, leaving as an Air Marshal. During his career, he served as the RAF’s Personnel Director, as Commander of the UK Air Component for both Afghanistan and Iraq and latterly as Director General Saudi Armed Forces Projects. In recognition of his military service, Peter was made a Companion of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2001 and a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 2011.
On his appointment, Peter Ruddock said: “Under Stephen’s direction, Lockheed Martin UK has brought a world of innovation to the UK, not only in the security and aerospace sectors but also through commercial activities including postal distribution, air traffic management and cyber security. I look forward to building on his significant achievements in the years ahead.”
Headquartered in London, Lockheed Martin UK - which employs more than 3,000 people in the UK across 21 sites - is the UK-based arm of global security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin.