Emerson tapped to head Airbus Defense and Space

Airbus said last week it has named Chris Emerson president of Airbus Defense and Space.

He previously was president of Airbus Helicopters and head of the North America region. He will now be based in Herndon, VA.

"With this leadership change, Airbus Helicopters Inc.'s government and military programs including the UH-72A Lakota and business functional roles supporting them will move to Airbus Defense and Space Inc., reporting to Emerson," the company said. "The programs and employees transitioning to Airbus Defense and Space Inc. will continue operations in Grand Prairie, Texas."

Emerson had led Airbus Helicopters since 2015. He has also served as senior vice president of marketing at Airbus Commercial Aircraft and as chief financial officer of EADS North America/Airbus Group.