Marilynn Hewson

Marilynn Hewson (born 1953) is an American business leader who achieved prominence as the President, CEO, and later Executive Chair of Lockheed Martin Corporation, one of the world's largest aerospace and defense contractors. She joined Lockheed Martin in 1983 and spent her entire corporate career with the company, progressing through various leadership positions that demonstrated her strategic vision and operational expertise. As CEO from 2013 to 2020, Hewson oversaw a $100+ billion global enterprise with operations spanning North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Under her leadership, Lockheed Martin focused on expanding capabilities in emerging technologies, advanced weapons systems, and space exploration, while also improving operational efficiency and profitability. Hewson navigated complex government contracts, international partnerships, and significant technological transitions in defense and aerospace sectors. Her tenure was marked by strategic acquisitions, workforce development initiatives, and positioning the company for emerging space and hypersonics markets. She is recognized within the defense and aerospace industry as a transformative leader who balanced shareholder interests with strategic long-term positioning. Hewson's rise through a male-dominated industry and her leadership of one of America's largest defense contractors made her a notable figure in corporate America. She remains actively involved in business and philanthropic endeavors following her retirement from Lockheed Martin.