Ronald D. Sugar, chairman and chief executive officer of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) since 2003, has announced his plan to retire from the company in June 2010, following 29 years of service to Northrop Grumman and its predecessor companies. To facilitate an orderly transition process, Sugar will step down from the chairman and CEO positions and the company's Board of Directors effective December 31, 2009. He will continue as an employee officer advising the company until his June 30, 2010 retirement date. Sugar will assume the title of chairman emeritus effective January 1, 2010. The Northrop Grumman Board of Directors has elected Wesley G. Bush, currently president and chief operating officer, to the position of chief executive officer and president, effective January 1, 2010. Bush was also elected to the Northrop Grumman Board of Directors, effective immediately. The Board of Directors elected Lewis W. Coleman, currently lead independent director, to the role of non-executive chairman, effective January 1, 2010.