Northrop Grumman promotes next president of space systems sector

Tom Wilson will be promoted to corporate vice president and president of space systems for Falls Church-based Fortune 500 aerospace and defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corp. on Jan. 1.

“Tom’s leadership experience and achievements in the national security, civil and commercial space markets make him ideally suited for his new role,” Kathy Warden, Northrop Grumman’s chairman, CEO and president, said in a statement. “I am confident our space business will continue to grow and perform under Tom’s strong leadership, vision and values.”

Wilson is currently the sector vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman’s strategic space systems division in the space systems sector. He previously led the space systems sector strategy and business development organizations. Wilson joined Northrop Grumman in 2018 when the company acquired Dulles-based Orbital ATK Inc., which he has served since 2001.

Wilson has held leadership positions in national security, defense and civil government space businesses and has served in senior positions with the U.S. Department of Defense. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland.

Wilson will succeed Blake Larson, who announced his intent to retire on Feb. 4, 2022, after a 40-year career with Northrop Grumman and its prior companies. He will continue as corporate vice president, reporting to Warden to support the transition, until his retirement.

“On behalf of our company and the board of directors, I want to thank Blake for his leadership and significant contributions to our entire business, and particularly our Space portfolio,” Warden said in a statement. “His focus and vision have paved the way for the continued success of our space business, and the important customer missions we serve.”

Northrop Grumman employs roughly 97,000 people worldwide and reported $36.79 billion in 2020 revenue.