Lockheed taps Lauderdale to lead F-35 program

Lockheed Martin said today it has named Bridget Lauderdale, who leads its aeronautics unit's integrated fighter group, to serve as general manager of the F-35 Lightning II program, effective next week.

She succeeds Greg Ulmer, who has been named chief of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. Doug Wilhelm, who has been acting deputy general manager of the F-35 program, will make that role permanent.

Bill Brotherton, who has been serving as acting F-35 general manager, has been named to a new role as vice president for aeronautics enterprise performance, the contractor said.

"He will oversee Program Management processes and resources to ensure strong program performance across the enterprise," Lockheed added. "This includes oversight of cost, schedule, and performance reporting for Aeronautics."

Lauderdale, in her new role, "will be responsible for partnering with domestic and international customers to ensure the F-35 program delivers the most affordable 5th Generation aircraft in production, advances capability through a stable modernization program and increases availability while reducing overall operational and sustainment costs."

Lockheed said it will announce Lauderdale's successor later. In the meantime, OJ Sanchez, vice president of the F-22 program, will serve in an acting capacity.