BAE Systems gets new CEO in India

Posted by- Neelam Mathews

Jan 23, 2012

Dean McCumiskey has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive of BAE Systems’ India operations with effect from March 2012. Dean is currently Group Chief Information Officer based in the company’s London headquarters and will succeed Andrew Gallagher who takes up new responsibilities as BAE Systems’ Director of Audit, based in the UK.

McCumiskey will be responsible for leading the next phase of BAE Systems’ business development in India, where the defense, aerospace and security company directly employs around 100 people and has a growing presence through strategic investments in technology sharing and industrial partnerships, says a statement. 

Dean McCumiskey has experience of the global defense, aerospace and security industry, having held senior management positions in both the US and Europe. Prior to taking up the role of Chief Information Officer, he was responsible for business winning activities in Europe, Canada and South America, leading multi-million dollar campaigns covering the air, land, maritime and security sectors. BAE Systems is evaluating the potential for establishing security sector capabilities in India, to help provide mission-critical solutions, tools and support to key client communities.

BAE has two joint ventures, Defense Land Systems India (DLSI), a land systems focused company operated in partnership with Mahindra and Mahindra, and BAeHAL, a software engineering joint venture with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Recent highlights for BAE Systems in India include a £59 million contract for the provision of spares and ground support equipment to the Indian Air Force to aid the Hawk training aircraft operations, bringing the total value of Hawk related contracts won in India to more than £600 million in the last 18 months.

In the land sector, serial production of DLSI’s mine protected vehicle is underway and the joint venture is competing to win a share of a 2500+ track and wheeled combat vehicle program.

Discussions between the Indian and US Governments are ongoing in relation to a possible sale of BAE Systems’ ultra-light M777 howitzer, in support of the Indian Army’s modernisation program, adds the statement.