Lockheed Martin South Asia president appointed to USIBC board of directors

The US-India Business Council (USIBC) has appointmented Richard G Kirkland, president, South Asia, Lockheed Martin Global Inc to its board of directors. The USIBC is the premier business advocacy organisation representing 280 of the largest US companies investing in India, joined by two dozen of India?s largest global companies. And its mandate is to strengthen US-India commercial ties.

Lockheed Martin is a Chairman?s Circle of the USIBC and has a long engagement in business in India with commercial satellite sales, support for civil government and defense related programmes.

Infact Lockheed Martin, India Private Limited was established to permit full engagement of all the business areas in Lockheed Martin across the entire spectrum of government acquisitions, services and support.

?Rick Kirkland?s appointment to the USIBC board represents the manifestation of the US-India Strategic Partnership. Lockheed Martin?s recent success on the C-130J aircraft programme for the Indian Air Force and involvement across several key security programmes is a testament

to the company?s global leadership,? said US-India Business Council Chairman Indra Nooyi.

?Rick brings deep expertise and knowledge of the region, having held key positions in the US government and within Lockheed Martin, especially in the corporation?s international operations.?

Speaking about his appointment to the board of directors, Mr Kirkland said, ?I believe that the future will be marked by increased interaction between the two governments and among all aspects of the United States and Indian society. I look forward to working with all members of the US-India Business Council and playing a small role in developing strong and lasting ties between both great nations.?

It may be recalled that Kirkland was named president, South Asia, Lockheed Martin Global Inc in June 2007.In this capacity, he is responsible for all Lockheed Martin corporate business and customers in the region that includes India, Australia and Singapore offices.

Previously, he served as vice president, Maritime Surveillance Enterprise for Lockheed Martin Corporation, beginning in 2005.