Defense and security company Saab is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Erik Smith as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Saab Defense and Security USA, LLC (SDAS), effective January 1, 2016.
“We congratulate Erik Smith on his new role, and look forward to his continued leadership,” said Michael Andersson, member of the SDAS Board of Directors and president and CEO of Saab North America, Inc. (SNA).
“Erik has extensive experience in the U.S. defense industry, and has a demonstrated understanding of how to navigate our market area’s unique market conditions in order to achieve long-term growth. Under Erik’s leadership and guidance, SDAS will be positioned to further expand its business and amplify its regional reputation as niche solutions provider and tier-one partner”, said Mr. Andersson.
“Departing interim CEO Jon Klaus has also done outstanding work for Saab over the past year, providing thoughtful leadership and a strong vision for growth within SDAS,” Mr. Andersson continued. “I am pleased to welcome him back into the Saab North America organization, where he will assume a senior leadership position.”
Micael Johansson, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area Electronic Defense Systems and member of the SDAS Board of Directors has also worked closely with Mr. Smith over the years.
“Erik’s in-depth knowledge of military technologies and strong track record in sales and program management will undoubtedly lead to ongoing success for SDAS. We are excited to maintain our strong, collaborative relationship with him”, said Mr. Johansson.
Erik Smith has most recently served as Vice President and General Manager of the Saab Defense and Security USA’s Sensor Systems division, where he has led the development and execution of Saab’s U.S. business strategy for military surveillance sensor systems. Since joining Saab in 2007, he has held multiple positions of increasing responsibility within the company’s contracts and program management organizations, where he has consistently demonstrated a strong track record of business growth, successful negotiations and profitable program execution.
Saab Defense and Security USA LLC (SDAS) delivers advanced technology and systems to United States armed forces and other government agencies.
Headquartered in Sterling Virginia, the company has business units and local employees in four states. SDAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Saab Group.
Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions within military defense and civil security.
Saab has operations and employees on all continents around the world. Through innovative, collaborative and pragmatic thinking, Saab develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.
