Lockheed Martin names new general manager for Greenville site

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Mike Fox, production operations director for Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group programs, will succeed Don Erickson as the Greenville general manager and site director, effective Sept. 4. Erickson is retiring in September after 21 years with the company.

Fox will be responsible for the nearly 500-person operation, which provides nose-to-tail aircraft sustainment, modification and production. He also will oversee the buildout of a production line for F-16 fighter aircraft and the new jobs that will support the production, according to a news release.

“Mike brings experience from production and sustainment across Lockheed Martin’s aircraft portfolio,” Bruce Litchfield, Lockheed Martin’s vice president for sustainment operations, said in the release. “He is stepping into a role at a time of incredible growth and opportunity.”

Fox joined Lockheed Martin in 2003 after serving 22 years in the Air Force. His roles have included site lead and production operations director for the company’s U-2 Dragon Lady depot maintenance program based in Palmdale, Calif.; and quality and mission success director for the C-5 Galaxy program, assembly and flight operations director for the C-130J Hercules program, and in leadership roles in the F-22 Raptor program — all in Marietta, Ga., the release said.

Erickson joined the company as director of planning for the Greenville site and has since held a variety of technical and leadership roles. He has served as the general manager and site director since 2012.

“Don has been instrumental in positioning the site and the state as a leader in the aerospace industry by building a great team and paving the way to bring production of the F-16 fighter jet to Greenville,” Litchfield said in the release. “He has also been at the helm as the site competes for a $16 billion contract to produce the U.S. Air Force’s next pilot trainer aircraft. With the new F-16 production and a contract win to build the trainer jet, the site would add nearly 500 jobs over the coming years.”

Erickson was recognized by former Gov. Nikki Haley as Greenville County’s 2015 Economic Ambassador.