Ian King Appointed Chief Executive, BAE Systems PLC


BAE Systems today announces the appointment of Ian King, currently Chief Operating Officer UK and Rest of World, as Chief Executive with effect from 1 September 2008. This follows the conclusion of an international benchmarking succession process and the Company's announcement on 16 October 2007 that Mike Turner would step down as Chief Executive and retire from the Company at the end of August 2008.

On completion of the merger with Marconi in 1999, when BAE Systems was formed, Ian was appointed to the position of Group Strategy and Planning Director and he was instrumental in developing the successful Group strategy. Since January 2007, Ian has been Chief Operating Officer, with responsibility for the Group's UK and Rest of World businesses, and a Director of the Company.

Commenting on the appointment Dick Olver, Chairman, BAE Systems plc, said: "Ian is a highly experienced business leader with a proven track record in our 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.

"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."

About BAE Systems:
BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.

Biography Ian King Chief Executive Designate - BAE Systems plc

Career
1976 - 1986
Ian joined Marconi in 1976 as a graduate entrant and qualified as an accountant two years later. He spent the next ten years in manufacturing at the Company's defence electronics manufacturing operations in Scotland and Portsmouth.

1986 - 1992
Ian was Finance Director of Marconi Defence Systems, a business specialising in missiles, avionics, airborne radar and electronic warfare. There he introduced programme management and project reporting systems, which were adopted as the Marconi Electronic Systems standards.

1992 - 1998
As Finance Director of Marconi Electronic Systems, Ian controlled major acquisition and joint venture transactions, including Ferranti, Space, Sonar, Alenia Marconi Systems and the US acquisitions of Tracor and Hazeltine. During this period he was appointed a non-executive director of the Canadian Marconi company, a publicly quoted North American company, and director of Marconi's two Anglo/French joint ventures in Space and Sonar.

Ian was the first Chief Executive of Alenia Marconi Systems, the joint venture between Marconi and Finmeccanica of Italy formed in December 1998. Main activities of this £1.2bn company were ground and naval radar, missiles systems, air traffic management, command and control, simulation and synthetic environments, engineering, software, systems design and manufacturing.

1999 - 2001
On completion of the BAe/Marconi merger at the end of November 1999, Ian moved to the position of Group Strategy and Planning Director. There he reported to the Chief Executive and was responsible for the development of the Group strategy, and the initial Strategic Business Plan for BAE Systems.

2001 - 2007
Ian was appointed to the post of Group Managing Director for Customer Solutions & Support (CS&S) at the start of 2001 responsible for growing a support and services business in the UK and international markets. CS&S supported customers' military capability in areas such as supply chain solutions and logistics management; spares; maintenance, repair and overhaul; upgrades; technical information services; training; facilities management; and manpower services.
In addition to leading the CS&S business, Ian was responsible for the integration of the Alvis business into a new Land Systems business following its acquisition in September 2004. This business has subsequently grown following further acquisitions and BAE Systems Land and Armaments is now a global leader in the industry.

2007 - 2008
On 1st January 2007, Ian was appointed to the Board of Directors of BAE Systems plc and took up the position of Chief Operating Officer for the UK and Rest of World organisation, responsible for all UK and rest of world businesses (excluding our US-led businesses).

The UK and Rest of the World organisation employs approximately 45,000 employees, across five operating groups including the Company's joint ventures and Home Market Operations.

Other Directorships
Ian is a non-executive director of Rotork plc, a world leader in the field of actuators, systems and services, for motorisation and manual operation of adaptions.

Family and interests
Ian is 52 and is married with one son. He lives in Portsmouth and is a lifetime supporter of Portsmouth Football Club (2008 FA Cup Winners). He enjoys a variety of ball sports, particularly golf, football and cricket.

For further information contact:
John Neilson, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0)1252 384795 Mob: +44 (0)7802 337704
john.neilson@baesystems.com
Lindsay Walls, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0) 1252 383074 Mob: 44 (0) 7793 427582
lindsay.walls@baesystems.com

BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384719 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 71773

www.baesystems.com

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