Northrop Grumman CEO to Retire with Succession in Place

Northrop Grumman NOC (NYSE) chairman and CEO Ronald Sugar will retire January 1, 2010. In his place the board selected president and chief operating officer Wesley G. Bush to run the defense contractor. Sugar, who has served as the company’s CEO since 2003, has been in charge of the firm as its value has continued to increase. Now that a new administration is in place and the U.S. economy has been under intense financial and economic pressures many defense industry firms have been working to move their operations more in line with the problems facing the United States economy. More consolidation and cost cuts can be expected over the next number of years in the defense industry. The selection of Wesley G. Bush allows for a smooth transition at the top of Northrop Grumman and the likelihood of a refocusing in the firm’s business strategy going forward.

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Smartbrief (9/18)