BAE appoints new chief

Ian King (pictured), currently chief operating officer of all of BAE’s non-US operations, will succeed Mike Turner as Chief Executive with effect from 1 September. BAE said the appointment followed the conclusion of an international benchmarking succession process and the company’s announcement on 16 October last year that Mike Turner was to step down as chief executive and retire from the company. Appointed group strategy and planning director on completion of BAE’s merger with Marconi in 1999 King was instrumental in developing the group’s strategy. He has been COO since January 2007. BAE chairman Dick Olver, who has at times been reported to have been at odds with Turner, said King was a highly experienced business leader with a proven track record in key home markets. “His performance focus and depth of knowledge of the global defence industry will benefit the continued progression of the successful strategy that has been pursued by the company during the course of Mike Turner’s leadership,” Olver added. “I would like to thank Mike for his committed and dedicated service over 42 years; particularly over recent years for his part in the company’s strong financial performance and strategic execution. The Board wishes Mike the greatest success as he sets about the next phase of his career."