Bengaluru: With a view to expanding operations in India as the government focuses on boosting ‘Make in India’ in the defence sector, leading American company Lockheed Martin has appointed William Blair as vice-president and chief executive for its India operations.
In this role, Blair will lead the growth and development of the company’s business in India and serve as the executive representative for all the programmes, products and services in the country. He will report to Timothy Cahill, senior vice-president for Lockheed Martin International, and assumes the role from outgoing chief executive and director for India, Philip (Phil) Shaw.
Prior to this, Blair was vice-president, strategic solutions and Middle East executive with Lockheed Martin’s space systems where he led and developed strategic solutions and expanded business opportunities in countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Israel.
In a career spanning 30 years, he has held roles of increasing responsibility with global assignments including in India where he had worked earlier too.
His appointment signals a deliberate evolution and enhancement of Lockheed Martin’s business in India, underscoring the importance of the Indian market to the corporation.
“As the leader in defence capabilities for use in air, sea and space domains, Lockheed Martin seeks to develop advanced solutions aimed at enhancing Indian national defence and security. We will continue to partner with our customers, partners, national agencies, local industry and research organisations in line with the national missions of Make in India, Skill India, Startup India and Swachh Bharat to contribute to the development of industrial capability and the aerospace ecosystem,” said Blair.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. It has been present in India for over three decades.
