Linda Hudson, B.S. ISE '72, named chief operating officer of BAE systems, a premier global defence, security and aerospace company.

ROCKVILLE, Md.---- BAE Systems today announces the appointment of Linda Hudson as Chief Operating Officer, BAE Systems plc, and President and CEO of BAE Systems, Inc. Linda was previously President of BAE Systems` Land & Armaments Operating Group and succeeds General Tony Zinni (USMC ret.), who was appointed as the Acting President and CEO of BAE Systems, Inc. in June 2009. Tony Zinni will stay on to facilitate a smooth and effective transition and will continue to serve as the Chairman of the BAE Systems, Inc. Board.

Linda has been appointed as an executive director of BAE Systems plc and will continue to serve on BAE Systems` Executive Committee, reporting to both BAE Systems plc Chief Executive Ian King and Tony Zinni. "Linda is a highly respected and acknowledged global business leader with a wealth of experience managing businesses that have a diverse portfolio of programs," said Ian King, Chief Executive BAE Systems. "Under her leadership, the Land & Armaments Operating Group has developed into a global business and is now the world`s largest manufacturer of land systems. Linda`s excellent leadership and knowledge of the defense industry will significantly benefit our business as we continue to deliver our strategy in support of our customers.

"I would also like to thank Tony Zinni for his excellent stewardship of BAE Systems, Inc. and we look forward to his continued service as the Chairman of BAE Systems, Inc." Tony Zinni added, "We are extremely proud that a leader of Linda`s caliber will take BAE Systems, Inc. into the future as we work with our customers to ensure their challenges are understood and met." Linda has served as Land & Armaments Operating Group President since January 2007 having joined BAE Systems in December 2006. Bob Murphy, Executive Vice President, Land & Armaments, has been appointed Acting President, Land & Armaments pending the appointment of a permanent successor to Linda.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

Biography of Linda Hudson Chief Operating Officer, BAE Systems plc and President and CEO, BAE Systems, Inc.

Career

1972 - 1976 Linda began her career at the Harris Corporation in Melbourne, Florida as a Research and Development Engineer, specialising in satellite and communication systems. 1976 - 1985 During her tenure at Ford Aerospace Linda held various positions including Reliability Program Manager and Quality Assurance Manager culminating with the position of Air Defense Systems Program Manager. In this role Linda was responsible for the overall production program management of the multi-billion dollar Sgt. York Division Air Defense System, teamed with Bofors of Sweden. 1985 - 1992 In 1985 Linda joined Martin Marietta Corporation as Program Director Electro-Optical Systems which involved managing a $500 million-plus program for two international air defense systems for the Canadian and Swiss governments. She was subsequently promoted to Director, Air Defense Production Operations which in addition to her previous responsibilities included the management of all production activities associated with a US Army air defense program. 1992 - 2006 Linda served as President, General Dynamics Ordnance Systems from 1992 through to July 1997. She was the chief operating officer of this wholly owned subsidiary managing a broad range of products and operating government-owned manufacturing facilities. In August 1997 until May 1999 Linda was the Vice President, Business Development at General Dynamics and was responsible for developing corporate strategies. Linda then served for seven years as Corporate Vice President and President, Armament and Technical Products at General Dynamics. During this time she led a $1 billion-plus operating company within a $22 billion corporation and had responsibility for a broad product portfolio with eight locations in seven states. 2006 - 2009 Linda assumed the leadership of BAE Systems Land & Armaments Operating Group in January 2007. Shortly after joining BAE Systems, she led the acquisition of Armor Holdings Inc. which effectively doubled the size of the group`s land systems operations. The Land & Armaments Operating Group has developed into a global business operating across four home markets - US, UK, South Africa and Sweden. It is now the world`s largest manufacturer of land systems with annual sales having grown from $3.9bn (£2.1bn) at the end of 2006 to $11.9bn (£6.4bn) at the end of 2008.

Other positions and directorships

She serves on the USO Worldwide Board of Governors, the Association of the United States Army Council of Trustees and engineering advisory boards for engineering programmes at the University of Maryland and the University of Florida. She is a member of the North Carolina and DC chapters of the International Women`s Forum and she is a member of C200, the premier global organization of women business leaders.

Education, awards and interests

Linda is a graduate of the University of Florida, holding a bachelor`s degree, with honors, in Systems Engineering. She remains active in the alumni and athletic associations of the University and serves on advisory boards for the College of Engineering. She was the first woman to receive the National Infantry Association`s Military Order of the Saint Maurice in recognition of her outstanding support of US Army Infantry. She also received the NDIA`s prestigious `Firepower Award`. In 2009 Linda was named one of Fortune`s 50 Most Powerful Women. Linda has one daughter and three grandchildren. Her son-in-law is currently on active service with the United States Marine Corps. Linda`s other interests include international travel with a particular emphasis on furthering her knowledge of different cultures.

Linda Hudson was featured in the spring 2009 issue of The Florida Engineer: http://bit.ly/Aajkk