Michael Coulter Moves from Head of Global Defense to CEO of HDUSA
Targeting the U.S. Market with a Stronger Local Strategy
Preparing to Expand U.S. Defense Business in Self-Propelled Artillery and Shipbuilding
Hanwha Aerospace has strengthened its business operations in the United States by relocating Michael Coulter, who previously oversaw its global defense business, to its U.S. subsidiary.
On November 3, the company announced that Michael Coulter, who had served as Head of Global Defense, has resigned from that position and has been appointed as the new CEO (Head of Corporation) of HDUSA (Hanwha Defense USA), its U.S. defense subsidiary. This personnel move is seen as a measure to solidify the company's business foundation in the United States, the world's largest defense market. It is also viewed as a strategic step to prepare for the expansion of core businesses such as self-propelled artillery and shipbuilding into the U.S. market.
The newly appointed CEO, Coulter, is a former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs and previously served as President of the global subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, a global defense company. He joined Hanwha Aerospace at the end of last year and has since overseen the company’s global defense strategy.
Hanwha Aerospace stated, "CEO Coulter will focus on expanding key partnerships and building a local network within the United States, thereby enhancing the group’s influence in the U.S. defense sector." Mike Smith, the former CEO of HDUSA, will move to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Head of Land Defense Business, working alongside CEO Coulter to oversee overall business operations.
Hanwha Aerospace added that there are no changes to the positions of Kim Dongkwan, Head of Strategy (Vice Chairman), and Sohn Jaeil, Head of Business Division, following this personnel change.
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