WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Christopher Kubasik, the incoming chief executive of Lockheed Martin, resigned on Friday after he admitted to an improper relationship with a subordinate, the company said.
Kubasik, who was
the defense contractor's chief operating officer, had been slated to
become CEO in January, replacing Bob Stevens.
Lockheed named Marillyn Newson,
58, as CEO effective January 1, 2013. Stevens was named as executive
chairman and will work with Hewson on the leadership transition.
Lockheed's board
asked for, and received, Kubasik's resignation after the discovery of "a
close personal relationship with a subordinate employee" that violated
the company's code of ethics and business conduct.
Kubasik's actions "did not affect the company's operational or financial performance," the company added.
Hewson has been
with Lockheed Martin since 1983. She was named president and chief
operating officer-elect in April.
(Reporting By Andrea Shalal-Esa; Editing by Leslie Adler and Marguerita Choy)