Lockheed Martin Names Daniel Mouton as Middle East Chief Executive

Lockheed Martin has announced a key leadership appointment in the Middle East, naming Daniel Mouton as the company’s new Vice President and Chief Executive for the region, headquartered in Abu Dhabi. Mouton will gradually transition into the role over the coming weeks and is set to take full charge on January 1, 2026. He will succeed John “Mick” Nicholson, who has steered the company’s regional operations with distinction since January 2022.

In his new position, Mouton will oversee Lockheed Martin’s operations across the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Pakistan. He joins the company’s International Business Development team, bringing with him extensive experience from senior roles at Northrop Grumman, including leadership in U.S. Executive Branch Government Relations and international growth strategy.

Mouton’s background also spans public service and defense policy. Earlier in his career, he served with the U.S. National Security Council, shaping political-military policy for the Middle East and North Africa, and held key assignments with the Pentagon, the U.S. military, and U.S. embassies across the region. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he also studied Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University and completed advanced strategic arts training at the U.S. Army War College. Mouton is fluent in Arabic, having graduated from the Defense Language Institute.

Meanwhile, Joseph Rank continues as Vice President and Chief Executive for Saudi Arabia and Africa, managing Lockheed Martin’s engagement in the Kingdom and leading the Regional Headquarters in Riyadh, which supports partners throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Lockheed Martin has maintained a strong presence in the region for over six decades, providing advanced defense systems, fostering industrial partnerships, and supporting workforce development initiatives.