LONDON, Sept 21 (Reuters) - BAE Systems hasexpanded the role of its Chief Operating Officer CharlesWoodburn, the man widely expected to become its next CEO, togive him responsibility for the group's UK defence businessesand its cyber defence unit.
Europe's biggest defence contractor named Woodburn as COO inFebruary, with sources at the time saying that the job made himheir apparent to Chief Executive Ian King, who is expected toretire next year, although there is no official timetable.
A spokeswoman for BAE said on Wednesday that BAE had toldemployees that Woodburn will be in charge of the strategy andperformance of BAE's defence projects in Britain as well as itsApplied Intelligence cyber defence unit.
BAE's UK defence business, which accounts for about 40percent of underlying group sales, includes complex programmessuch as the production of Eurofighter Typhoon combat jets andfuture projects to renew the country's nuclear-armed submarinesand build a number of Type 26 Global Combat Ships.
"The move allows Charles to focus on the execution of ourcompany strategy as Chief Operating Officer, allowing Ian asChief Executive to focus on the continued strategic developmentof the group," the spokeswoman said.
Woodburn, a former oil industry executive, started workingat BAE in May. (Reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by Greg Mahlich)