Northrop Grumman Appoint Gunter, Mulherin

Northrop Grumman Corporation announced the appointment of Robert L. Gunter and Matthew J. Mulherin as sector vice presidents, effective June 1.

The company’s Newport News sector named Gunter, 48, sector vice president, operations and Mulherin, 45, sector vice president, programs.

As vice president of operations, Gunter will be responsible for manufacturing, planning, resource management, sourcing, supply chain management, logistics and supplier quality, and facilities and waterfront services for the Newport News sector. He will also take on the role of president for Newport News Industrial Corp., a business unit that markets specialized marine and industrial products and supplies outage services for the power generation industry.

Prior to this appointment, Gunter served as vice president for aircraft carrier programs and vice president of engineering. He began his career with Newport News in 1983 in the machinery design department and has held increasingly responsible management positions in ship repair, engineering and construction. Gunter earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland and a master's degree in engineering from Virginia Tech.

“Bob brings great technology and program strengths to his new position and I am confident that the sector will benefit as he works to build upon the working relationships between operations and the programs,” said Mike Petters, president, Northrop Grumman Newport News.

Gunter replaces John E. Shephard, Jr. who is leaving the corporation to pursue other personal and professional objectives. “John has been an important contributor to Northrop Grumman Newport News and we will miss his leadership,” said Petters.

As vice president of programs, Mulherin will be responsible for executive oversight for shipbuilding programs at Northrop Grumman Newport News to include the CVN 21 and CVN 77 aircraft carrier programs, carrier overhaul and the Virginia-class submarine program. He is also responsible for planning and production control for these programs.

“Matt takes this important leadership role as the sector’s reliance on production programs and those transitioning from development to production increases,” said Petters. “Much of our success in the future is dependent on Matt’s ability to provide strong program direction and I’m very confident in his ability to deliver on our customer commitments.”

Mulherin began his career at Newport News in 1981 as a nuclear test engineer. He has held increasingly responsible positions including nuclear project manager for Los Angeles-class submarines, director of facilities, director of nuclear engineering and refueling, and director of the CVN 21 program. He most recently served as vice president for the CVN 21 program. Mulherin earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Virginia Tech.