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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteLockheed Martin’s central engineering leadership change was the retirement of chief engineer and Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology Rod Makoske. In the succession package reported in December 2024, Tony DeSimone was promoted to Senior Vice President of Enterprise Engineering, while John Clark took on a separate corporate technology and strategic innovation role. Lockheed Martin’s current roster identifies DeSimone as chief engineer and senior vice president of enterprise engineering.
Who replaced Lockheed Martin’s chief engineer?
Washington Technology reported on December 4, 2024, that Makoske was retiring and that his responsibilities would be divided between John Clark and Dr. Tony DeSimone. DeSimone, who was then vice president of enterprise engineering, was promoted to senior vice president of enterprise engineering. The report describes a split of responsibilities, not a one-for-one transfer of every part of Makoske’s remit.
Lockheed Martin’s current biography of Dr. Anthony DeSimone lists him as Chief Engineer and Senior Vice President, Enterprise Engineering. The company says he is responsible for engineering execution across 44,000 engineers in its business areas and Enterprise Operations. That is Lockheed Martin’s description of the scope of his role, not an independently verified workforce count.
How were the engineering and technology responsibilities divided?
| Role or function | Predecessor or prior role | Successor or new role | Timing reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise engineering and chief engineer responsibilities | Rod Makoske, chief engineer and Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology, retiring | Tony DeSimone promoted from vice president to Senior Vice President of Enterprise Engineering; the report said Makoske’s responsibilities would be divided between DeSimone and Clark | Makoske’s retirement was pending at year end 2024; no more specific effective date for DeSimone’s promotion is stated in the Washington Technology report |
| Corporate technology and strategic innovation | John Clark, vice president and general manager of Skunk Works | Clark became senior vice president for Technology and Strategic Innovation, with Lockheed Martin Ventures included in his responsibilities | The report tied the transition to the retirement-related leadership changes but did not state a specific effective date for Clark’s new role |
| Skunk Works leadership | John Clark | OJ Sanchez was to succeed Clark as leader of Skunk Works | January 1, 2025, announced effective date |
The detailed appointments and dates in this account come from Washington Technology’s December 4, 2024 report. Its dates are announced effective dates; the report is not a separate verification of when each executive actually assumed a role.
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- IFF antenna array in front of the cockpit distinguishes this CCIP-equipped model from other F-16s.
- Curved form of the F-16 accurately reproduced with trademark Tamiya precision.
- Moveable horizontal stabilizers. "Flaperons" can be modelled in the up or down positions.
- Full ordnance load including AGM-88 HARM, AIM-120C AMRAAM, AIM-9M/X Sidewinder, ECM pod, and fuel tanks included.
- Centerline and inner wing pylons as well as tail assembly feature polycaps to allow easy detachment for storage.
What other executive changes were announced?
The engineering succession was part of a broader package involving three pending executive retirements. These additional moves were not engineering appointments:
- Maria Demaree: The National Security Space leader was to become corporate CIO and Senior Vice President of Enterprise Business and Digital Transformation on January 1, 2025, succeeding retiring Yvonne Hodge.
- Dave Young: He was to succeed Demaree as vice president and general manager of National Security Space, also on January 1, 2025.
- Kevin O’Connor: He was to succeed retiring Maryanne Lavan as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary on January 13, 2025. Washington Technology reported that O’Connor joined from Carrier, where he had most recently been chief legal officer.
Lockheed Martin’s current leadership roster lists Demaree as Senior Vice President, Enterprise Business and Digital Transformation and CIO, DeSimone in enterprise engineering, and Sarah B. Hiza as Senior Vice President, Technology and Strategic Innovation. The roster provides current role context; it does not establish why or when later changes involving those positions occurred.
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- HOBBY MODEL KIT – Unassembled model packed in an envelope with easy to follow instructions. Ideal for ages 14 and up.
- NO GLUE OR SOLDER NEEDED – Parts can be easily clipped from the metal sheets. Tweezers are the recommended tool for bending and twisting the connection tabs.
- LOCKHEED MARTIN U-2 DRAGON LADY - 2 Sheet Model with a moderate difficulty level. Once assembled, dimensions are 4.70 L x 7.90 W x 2.40 H inches. 1:157 Scale.
- FROM STEEL SHEETS TO 3D – Pop out the pieces and connect using tabs and holes. Includes illustrated instructions.
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What is known about the reason for the changes?
The contemporaneous report connects the appointments to pending retirements and explains the reported responsibility transfers. It does not provide a detailed strategic rationale for the engineering changes. The evidence supports describing the moves as a succession package, but not attributing a specific goal or motivation to Lockheed Martin without a company statement establishing it.
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- Detailed cockpit
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- HIGHLY DETAILED: Model kit of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Fighter Aircraft - Currently the most modern stealth multi-role fighter aircraft
- SUBJECT DETAILS: The F-35A also features very good stealth characteristics and advanced sensor technology.
- MODEL DETAILS: New Tool 2024 - Multi-piece fuselage - Various armaments - Multi-part landing gear
- FURTHER MODEL DETAILS: Includes a fully illustrated, step-by-step instruction manual, decal set and painting guide and paint reccomendations (sold seprately)
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- AUTHENTIC DETAIL: Features a multi-part hull with recessed panel lines, a detailed cockpit, and a seated pilot figure with Helmet-Mounted Display.
- VERSATILE ARMAMENT: Includes three ordnance patterns — stealth, air-to-air, and beast mode — plus optional open or closed weapons bay covers and canopy.
- THREE MARKING OPTIONS: Includes Alabama ANG 187th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath 495th Fighter Squadron 'Valkyries', and special 2024 unveiling tail markings.
- SCALE & SIZE: 1:72 scale model with a 5.875-in wingspan
- 143-PIECE KIT: Skill level 4 build recommended for ages 12 and up, offering an engaging and rewarding modeling experience for aviation enthusiasts.
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