US-based Lockheed Martin, a global security and aerospace company, has appointed Brigadier General (Retired) Joseph Rank as its chief executive for Lockheed Martin Saudi Arabia.

Rank will lead the company’s growing business in Saudi Arabia with responsibilities for building and cultivating key partner relationships and supporting the kingdom’s strategic business pursuits, said a statement from the company.

Rank takes over the position from Alan Chinoda who will be returning to Lockheed Martin based in the US, it said.

Richard H Edwards, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin International, said: “I am confident that under Rank’s leadership we will drive this strategic relationship to greater heights in the kingdom, supporting Vision 2030, while strengthening regional and global security.”

“Rank brings a wealth of regional knowledge and experience to his new role as our chief executive in Riyadh. He will be an invaluable resource to our local operations as we continue to build new partnerships and grow our footprint in the kingdom,” he said.

“I would also like to thank Alan Chinoda for his outstanding contributions and leadership during his seven years in Saudi Arabia. During his tenure, we have strengthened the company’s brand as a trusted defence and security partner to the Kingdom,” he added.

Rank recently concluded 31 years of service in the US Army, most recently in the Office of the Secretary of Defense where he served as the acting deputy assistant secretary of defence for Middle East Policy.

He has served almost a decade in the region to include positions as senior defence attaché in the United Arab Emirates (2015-2017), Jordan (2011-2014), Lebanon (2010-2011) and Yemen (2004-2006). He speaks Arabic and has a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies from the University of Virginia, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service