Northrop to Hand Reins to Operating Chief as CEO Plans Departure
- Bush to leave post Jan. 1, remain chairman through July 2019
- Defense contractor joins Lockheed, GD with female CEOs
Wes Bush, chairman and CEO of Northrop Grumman Corp.
Photographer: Andrew Harrer/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Northrop Grumman Corp. said operating chief Kathy Warden will take over as CEO next year following Wes Bush’s unexpected decision to leave the top job at the defense giant.
With Warden’s appointment, the company will join a growing cadre of major U.S. contractors with women at the helm, including Lockheed Martin Corp. and General Dynamics Corp. Boeing Co.’s defense business is led by a woman, too. Warden’s elevation comes less than a year after she was named Northrop’s chief operating officer and president.