By Andrea Shalal
WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) - Greg Ulmer, head of LockheedMartin Corp's F-35 fighter program, will temporarilylead the company's aeronautics division while its current chief,Michele Evans, undergoes medical treatment, the company toldemployees on Monday.
Evans, 54, who took over as executive vice president ofLockheed's largest division in October 2018, is widely seen as aleading candidate to succeed Marillyn Hewson, 65, as chiefexecutive of Lockheed, the No. 1 U.S. arms maker.
The surprise announcement about Evans' illness came at thestart of the high-profile annual Air Force Associationconference in Washington, and could raise questions aboutLockheed's succession planning.
Evans was diagnosed with cancer several months ago but hascontinued to work while undergoing treatment, according to threesources familiar with the situation.
Company officials recently decided to name Ulmer as Evans'delegate and acting EVP of aeronautics while Evans continuesmedical treatment, but her prognosis is excellent, Lockheedspokesman Joe LaMarca said. He gave no details.
"As part of her annual executive physical and follow-up withmedical personnel, Lockheed Martin Executive Vice PresidentMichele Evans was recently diagnosed with a medical issue and isundergoing treatment," he said. "Her prognosis is excellent, thecondition is treatable, and a full recovery is expected."
He said Ulmer would serve as Evans' delegate and actingexecutive vice president of the aeronautics division, whileEvans "focuses on her recovery."
Aeronautics, the largest of the company's four divisions,reported a 15% increase in revenues to $11.13 billion in thefirst half of 2019, with operating profit up 13% to $1.18billion in the same period.
With about 25,000 employees, Lockheed's aeronautics divisionbuilds the F-35 stealth fighter, the C-130J transport plane, anda variety of other military aircraft. It also includes thecompany's famed Skunk Works advanced development unit.
Evans worked at multiple positions across Lockheedthroughout her 32 years in the weapons industry, and plays aleading role in the company's diversity initiatives.
Lockheed last year changed its mandatory retirement agerules to exempt the CEO, allowing Hewson to stay on past thisyear. It has not named a chief operating officer to start theprocess of choosing a successor to Hewson, who last year toppedFortune magazine's U.S. list of most powerful women.
But industry insiders and analysts say Evans is among thetop candidates to succeed Hewson, given her age, strategicvision and broad range of experience across the company.(Reporting by Andrea ShalalEditing by Nick Zieminski)