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Lockheed Martin Appoints John Stevens as VP, Chief M&A & Securities Counsel

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 1:07 GMT by GovCon Wire
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Lockheed Martin Announces John Stevens as Vice President and Chief of Military & Aerospace Security Counsel

In a move that underscores its ongoing commitment to compliance, national‑security integrity, and the rigorous governance required in defense contracting, Lockheed Martin announced on Thursday the appointment of John Stevens to the newly created role of Vice President, Chief of Military & Aerospace Security Counsel (CVP, MSC). The promotion places Stevens—a veteran of the industry with more than 35 years of experience in government‑contract legal affairs—at the forefront of the company’s efforts to strengthen its legal, policy, and regulatory posture across the United States and abroad.

A Brief Professional Profile

John Stevens brings a formidable blend of practical experience and policy insight to Lockheed Martin. Before joining the company, Stevens served as senior counsel at the U.S. Department of Defense, where he advised on the application of International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and other export‑control frameworks. He also held a senior partnership at the international law firm of White & Case, where his specialty was defense contracting and the regulatory compliance of military technology transfer.

At Lockheed Martin, Stevens was first hired in 2014 as Senior Vice President, Corporate Counsel, focusing on defense and intelligence contracts. His promotion to Vice President, Chief of Military & Aerospace Security Counsel consolidates several disparate legal functions—including export‑control compliance, security‑clearance policy, and cyber‑security litigation—under a single, senior‑level umbrella.

The Role: A Strategic Mandate

The CVP, MSC position will serve as the chief legal architect for all matters relating to the company’s military and aerospace operations. In a statement, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Cathy Rosenberg, emphasized the importance of the new role in navigating the increasingly complex global security environment:

“Lockheed Martin’s ability to protect national interests—and the interests of our partners—depends on our legal and regulatory foundation. John’s deep knowledge of defense law, coupled with his experience at the Department of Defense, positions him uniquely to guide us through the nuances of ITAR, EAR, and emerging cyber‑security frameworks. His leadership will ensure that we not only comply with existing regulations but also anticipate future challenges.”

In practical terms, Stevens will be charged with overseeing the company’s compliance with export‑control laws, coordinating with the Defense Security Service (DSS) and the Department of Commerce, and managing the legal aspects of technology transfer to allied nations. He will also lead cross‑functional teams on matters such as data‑sharing agreements, intellectual‑property protection, and security‑clearance protocols for subcontractors.

Context: Why the Timing Matters

Lockheed Martin’s move comes at a time of heightened scrutiny on defense contractors, driven by increased international competition, evolving cyber threats, and a renewed focus on the “defense industrial base.” The U.S. government has recently tightened its oversight of dual‑use technology exports, and Congress has proposed amendments to the ITAR and EAR to close perceived loopholes. In this climate, a robust legal framework is essential for maintaining the company’s competitive edge and safeguarding national security.

The appointment also dovetails with Lockheed Martin’s broader strategic initiatives, including the development of next‑generation platforms such as the F‑35 Lightning II, the U‑2R and U‑2S aircraft, and advanced hypersonic weapons. These platforms involve highly classified technologies that necessitate stringent export‑control and intellectual‑property safeguards.

Linking to Broader Industry Moves

The article on GovConWire links to a contemporaneous Lockheed Martin press release detailing the company’s latest compliance initiative, as well as a feature piece on the emerging importance of cyber‑security in defense contracting. Additionally, it references an interview with Lockheed Martin’s CFO, Michael Lovelace, who discussed the company’s investment in technology‑security partnerships with leading AI firms. These links provide readers with a fuller picture of the company’s integrated approach to legal, financial, and technological risk management.

The Bigger Picture: A New Era of Legal Leadership

Lockheed Martin’s creation of the Vice President, Chief of Military & Aerospace Security Counsel role signals a broader industry shift toward more specialized, high‑level legal leadership. In the same year, other major contractors—such as Northrop Grumman and Raytheon Technologies—have restructured their legal teams to respond to evolving export controls and cyber‑security demands. Lockheed Martin’s appointment of John Stevens demonstrates a proactive stance in anticipating regulatory changes and protecting the company’s intellectual property and national‑security obligations.

From a business standpoint, a robust legal framework can be a competitive differentiator, fostering trust among U.S. and allied governments, streamlining procurement processes, and mitigating costly litigation risks. Stevens’ proven track record in both public and private sectors equips him to navigate the delicate balance between commercial innovation and national‑security imperatives.

Looking Forward

As the Vice President, Chief of Military & Aerospace Security Counsel, John Stevens will play a pivotal role in shaping Lockheed Martin’s legal strategies for the coming decade. His responsibilities will span from routine export‑control compliance audits to high‑profile litigation over technology‑transfer disputes. The company’s leadership expects his influence to extend beyond internal policy, shaping industry best practices and influencing legislative dialogues on defense export regulation.

In an era where technology flows faster than ever and national‑security concerns loom large, Lockheed Martin’s strategic investment in legal expertise underscores its commitment to operating responsibly, securely, and with the highest regard for U.S. defense policy. The appointment of John Stevens is a decisive step toward ensuring that the company’s mission—providing cutting‑edge defense solutions—continues to align with the rigorous standards demanded by its global clientele.