Fred Harris to Retire
Ubiquitous General Dynamics Leader Fred Harris to Step Down January 1, 2017; Dirk Lesko to Lead Bath Iron Works; Kevin Graney to Lead NASSCO
General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) said that in the wake the retirement of Frederick J. Harris effective January 1, 2017, Dirk A. Lesko will be a vice president of the corporation and appointed as president of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, and Kevin M. Graney will be a vice president of the corporation and appointed as president of General Dynamics NASSCO.
“Dirk and Kevin are seasoned leaders with proven track records of managing complex shipbuilding projects and driving continuous improvement at every level of their business,” said John P. Casey, executive vice president, Marine Systems. “Both have worked for General Dynamics for more than 20 years and they have the right management and operations experience to ensure these shipyards are positioned for the future.”
In announcing the retirement of Harris, Casey said, “Throughout his extensive career with General Dynamics, Fred has held leadership roles at all three of our shipyards and made significant contributions to the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding programs. I want to thank Fred for his commitment to shipbuilding and outstanding service to our company and employees. We wish him well in retirement."
Lesko, 50, was named vice president and general manager for Bath Iron Works in August 2015. Previously, he was vice president, surface combatants, managing all programs. Lesko joined Bath Iron Works in 1990 and has held leadership positions in multiple departments including program management, strategic planning and finance.
Graney, 52, was appointed vice president and general manager of NASSCO in November 2013. Previously, he held leadership positions in operations, programs and engineering. He joined NASSCO in 2006 from General Dynamics Electric Boat, where he started working in 1995. Graney is a U.S. Navy submarine veteran.