LONDON, Feb 15 (Reuters) - British defence firm BAE Systems named Charles Woodburn to the newly-created role ofChief Operating Officer, lining up the former oil executive asheir apparent for the chief executive's role.
BAE's statement on Monday confirmed a story over the weekendthat Woodburn is likely to be appointed as BAE Systems' chiefoperating officer before taking the top job in 12 to 18 months,according to a source close to the situation.
BAE said Woodburn, who formerly worked at oilfield servicescompany Schlumberger and is currently chief executive atprivate equity-backed Expro, would join the board during thesecond quarter of 2016 and be paid a base salary of 750,000pounds ($1.09 million).
($1 = 0.6889 pounds) (Reporting by Sarah Young, Editing by Paul Sandle)