WASHINGTON — Lockheed Martin Aeronautics boss Greg Ulmer is retiring, with Skunk Works head OJ Sanchez tapped to lead the aviation arm of the world’s largest defense contractor, the company announced today.
In its release, Lockheed describes the aeronautics arm as a “$30 billion business with more than 35,000 people.” The aeronautics business includes the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, F-22 stealth fighter, F-16 Fighting Falcon and the C-130 transporter, as well as the classified Skunk Works design shop.
Per his LinkedIn profile, Ulmer first joined Lockheed in 1995 doing flight test work on the C-130 program. He has been with the company since then, taking charge of the F-35 program — arguably the single more important program for the company — in March 2018, and was elevated to the aeronautics job in February 2021.
Ulmer will step down in June but stay on as “strategic advisor to support a smooth transition,” per the statement.
“From his beginnings as a flight test engineer and his work across all of Lockheed Martin’s major aircraft programs to his leadership delivering key advancements in the Aeronautics portfolio, Ulmer served in a variety of critical roles across the company,” the company statement reads.
Sanchez, meanwhile, joined the company in 2014 after a career as an F-22 pilot. After a series of roles in aeronautics, Sanchez took over Skunk Works in 2025.
“We are all thankful to Greg and what he has done throughout his career for our customers, nation and allies to strengthen global security through air power,” Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet said in a statement. “OJ has demonstrated steadfast leadership and a passion for performance and the mission — we look forward to his continued impact as he leads Aeronautics into its next chapter.”
