ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BAE Systems has named Ann Ackerson to become the global Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), effective May 4, 2020. Ackerson will report to the BAE Systems, Inc. organization with a functional reporting line to BAE Systems plc. As a member of the Inc. senior leadership team and chair of the Global Procurement Council, Ackerson will lead the company’s global supply chain strategy to maximize the purchasing power of the global enterprise.
“Ann is a proven leader with extensive supply chain experience and customer focus across multiple industries,” said Tom Arseneault, BAE Systems, Inc. president and CEO. “I look forward to welcoming her to the team as we continue our journey towards supply chain excellence.”
Most recently, Ackerson served as the senior vice president of Global Supply Chain Management for Freeman, standing up and leading the global supply chain function for the company, and included strategic procurement, distribution and warehousing, inventory supply planning, transportation, and sustainability. Prior to her role at Freeman, Ackerson was the CPO and vice president of Supply Chain Management at Dresser-Rand. During her career, Ackerson has more than 30 years of experience in procurement and supply chain management spanning a range of industries.
Ackerson will succeed Paul Smith, who will begin serving as vice president and general manager of BAE Systems, Inc.’s Ship Repair business on June 15, replacing Joe Campbell, who has announced his intent to retire later this year.