Lockheed Martin announced Robert (Bob) S. Harward will expand his role to lead the company’s growing Middle East business as the Chief Executive for Lockheed Martin in the Middle East.

In this new role he will be responsible for the company’s strategy, operations and growth in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Bob has exceptional experience across the region and unparalleled knowledge of how our technology can help solve our Middle East partners’ greatest security challenges,” said Richard H. (Rick) Edwards, Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin International.

“I am confident that under Bob’s leadership we will continue to drive our Middle East business forward and help strengthen global security,” he added.

Harward previously served as the company’s Chief Executive for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A lifelong national security leader, he served on the National Security Council for the Bush Administration, commissioned the National Counter Terrorism Center, and has extensive combat and counterterrorism experience as a United States Navy SEAL.

Prior to joining Lockheed Martin in 2014, Haward was a Vice Admiral (SEAL) in the United States Navy.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.