iscover
A new executive has been appointed to lead the firm’s global space division.
Robert Lightfoot has been named as Lockheed Martin’s new executive vice president, Space, effective from 1 January 2022.
Lightfoot, who currently serves as the vice president of operations for Lockheed Martin Space, held several senior leadership positions at NASA over a 29-year period.
During his tenure at NASA, Lightfoot supported space operations, exploration and science missions, including as the agency's acting administrator; director of the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama; and director of Propulsion Test at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
The newly appointed EVP replaces Rick Ambrose, who is set to retire on 1 March 2022 following over 20 years of service to the company.
Ambrose is expected to support the transition by serving as a strategic adviser.
"Robert is a mission-oriented leader with the right combination of experience to take our Space business to its next heights,” Lockheed Martin chief operating officer Frank St. John said.
“He is known for exceptional people leadership, and I look forward to what he will bring to not only Space, but also the broader aerospace and defence industry.”
Lightfoot welcomed the opportunity to lead the company’s growth in the space domain.
"I'm honoured to lead Lockheed Martin Space and work with our customers to strengthen their missions of security, exploration and discovery through innovation and partnership," he said.
[Related: Calytrix Technologies, EM Solutions partner with Lockheed Martin Australia]
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?
Make Defence Connect a preferred news source on Google.
Click here to add Defence Connect as a preferred news source.