[Satnews] Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) has named veteran space industry executive Kay Sears as vice president of strategy and business development for the corporation’s Space Systems business area, effective April 4, 2016.

Lockheed Martin's new Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Space Systems.

In her new role, Sears will be responsible for leading business growth through a comprehensive strategy to develop new markets and strengthen partnerships with existing customers. She will also lead strategic planning and advanced technology concepts.

Sears joins Lockheed Martin from Intelsat General, where she has served as president since 2008. Before joining Intelsat, Sears helped launch government services business units at both G2 Satellite Solutions and Verestar.

In 2009, Sears was appointed to the President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee to provide information, technical expertise, advice and guidance regarding issues that may affect national security telecommunications capabilities. She also serves on the board of the Space Foundation.

“Kay is a respected leader with a proven track record of helping defense and civil agencies advance their missions through space and satellite communications,” said Rick Ambrose, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space Systems. “Kay’s customer focus, entrepreneurial expertise and in-depth knowledge of the industry will be an asset to both our customers and our business, and we’re pleased to welcome her to the Lockheed Martin team.”