Northrop Grumman Corporation, a leading global security company, has announced the appointment of Douglas Raaberg as its new chief executive for the UAE region.

Raaberg will take over his new role on October 14, said a statement from the company.

He was previously director, Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) campaign lead, within Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector and led a portfolio of business pursuits to develop, sustain and modernize BMC2 products.

He was also responsible for leading business development efforts for the sector's military aircraft systems including B-2, E-2D, F/A-18, F-35 and Joint STARS aircraft, said the statement.

In his new role, Raaberg will be responsible for co-ordinating the corporation's relationship with the UAE, supporting current programmes and developing strategies for growth.

Raaberg joined Northrop Grumman in March 2010 following a distinguished career in the US Air Force spanning more than 30 years during which he held numerous operational, command and staff positions.

He attained the rank of major general and served as deputy combined force air component commander for US Central Command responsible for all air and space operations in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Prior to that, he served as deputy director Operations U.S. Central Command deploying extensively in the region in support of combat operations.

"Northrop Grumman has a long history of partnership with the UAE and Raaberg brings deep knowledge and extensive experience of Middle East affairs that will enable us to build on this vital relationship," said David Perry, the corporate VP and chief global business development officer.

"His appointment will help us to enhance significantly our in-country presence and position the company for success in the UAE and the Middle East region as we continue to broaden our global market focus," he added.

In his Air Force career, Raaberg commanded the only B-2 stealth bomber wing, a jet pilot training wing, a bomber operations group and a bomber squadron. He was a command pilot with more than 4,700 hours in fighter-bomber, bomber and trainer aircraft.

He is an honor graduate of the US Air Force Academy and holds master's degrees from the University of Southern California and National War College. He is also a graduate of the Air Force's Squadron Officer School, the Air Force's Air Command and Staff College and the National War College.-TradeArabia News Service