27 Jan 04. In a bid to streamline its struggling Public Relations image, Hugh Colver, PR Supremo at BAE SYSTEMS has announced three redundancies in his team. They are Phil Soucy, recruited from the U.S. to where he will return, Liz Batchelor and long-standing stalwart of 26 years, advertising supremo John Coombs. John is one of the best-known figures in the team and has a strong international presence which will be sadly missied. (See BATTLESPACE UPDATE Vol.6 ISSUE 1, January 9th 2004) Predictably sources suggest that BAE failed to inform the company’s divisions or the outside world of the changes. Does this suggest further changes nearer the top?
23 Jan 04. Johann Heitzmann (50), hitherto Vice President EADS Airborne Systems, on 1 January has taken over the position as CEO and President of the newly formed Business Unit EADS Defence Electronics (DE). The Business Unit has 3,500 employees in various locations in Germany, France, Belgium and the USA.
28 Jan 04. Stewart & Stevenson Services, Inc. has named Don K. Kyle to the position of President, Power Products Division and Vice President, Stewart & Stevenson Services, Inc., reporting to Max Lukens, Chairman of the Board and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. The Power Products Division sells and rents various industrial equipment; sells components, replacement parts, accessories and other materials supplied by independent manufacturers; and provides in-shop and on-site repair services for industrial, transportation, marine, construction, power generation, and material handling equipment.
15 Jan 04. Rolls-Royce has announced the appointment of Tony Wood as the new Managing Director of its Defence Aerospace business. Tony was previously Operations Director for Defence Aerospace and will now be responsible for all defence customers outside North America for a diverse range of products for combat aircraft, trainers, transport aircraft and helicopters, and the support of a global operation fleet of almost 30,00 engines. He will be based at the headquarters of the Defence Aerospace business in Bristol.
29 Jan 04. Sullivan Higdon & Sink (SHS) an advertising, marketing and public relations firm, announces the addition of seasoned public relations executive Adam Konowe as an account supervisor. Based in the company’s new Old Town Alexandria office, Konowe will manage the firm’s growing roster of PR clients in aviation, aerospace and defense.
20 Jan 04. Northrop Grumman Corporation appointed three executives in its Newport News sector: Becky Stewart, currently vice president, Surface Ship and Submarine Fleet Maintenance Program has been named head of the Submarine Program; Irwin F. Edenzon, currently vice president, Business and Technology Development, has been named vice president, Technology Development and Fleet Support; and John J. Mazach, currently executive director, Business Development, has been promoted to vice president, Business Development.
23 Jan 04. The Secretary General of NATO announced the appointment of Mr J (James) Appathurai, a Canadian, as spokesman for NATO. The appointment becomes effective on 1 Feb 04. Comment: Mr Appathurai has previously worked at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Toronto, the Canadian Department of National Defence in Ottawa and at the Political Affairs and Security Division of NATO. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 04/05, 26 Jan 04)