FORT WORTH, Texas —January 2025, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) unveiled leadership changes poised to shape the future of advanced aviation and defence innovation. OJ Sanchez has been appointed vice president and general manager of Skunk Works®, while Mike Shoemaker steps into the role of vice president and general manager of the Integrated Fighter Group. Both leaders began their new positions on Monday.
Sanchez succeeds John Clark, who recently assumed the role of senior vice president for Technology and Strategic Innovation. Shoemaker, in turn, takes over from Sanchez.
“With their combined experience, OJ and Mike will work closely together – and with our broader team – to drive innovation and strategy across platforms, across Aeronautics, and across the corporation,” said Greg Ulmer, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “They will focus on shaping the future of air dominance and advancing Lockheed Martin’s position as a leader in the development and delivery of airpower capabilities integrating across all domains.”
Sanchez: Driving Skunk Works’ Legacy of Innovation
As the new leader of Skunk Works, Sanchez will spearhead advanced technology initiatives for classified military programs under the division’s guiding principles of “Quick, Quiet, Quality.”
Since joining Lockheed Martin in 2014 after a distinguished U.S. Air Force career, including serving as an F-22 pilot, Sanchez has played pivotal roles in military aviation. Notably, he led the Integrated Fighter Group, overseeing the evolution of the F-16 Block 70 and working with the U.S. Air Force to sustain the F-22’s capabilities.
“With threats becoming more complex, OJ is the right leader to focus our Skunk Works team on developing and integrating technologies that will secure the skies today – and maintain a competitive edge in the future,” Ulmer emphasised.
Shoemaker: Guiding Integrated Fighter Programs
Shoemaker takes on leadership of the Integrated Fighter Group, where he will oversee the F-16, F-22, T-50, KF-21, F-21, and F-2 programs. His extensive experience includes serving as vice president for F-35 Customer Programs, shaping strategies for U.S. and international F-35 partnerships and leading global program teams.
Before joining Lockheed Martin in 2018, Shoemaker had a 35-year U.S. Navy career, where he piloted aircraft and held key naval aviation leadership roles, culminating as Commander of Naval Air Forces.
“Mike’s unique blend of military experience and expertise in air dominance positions him well to provide strategic direction and oversight as the leader of the Integrated Fighter Group,” said Ulmer.
A Vision for the Future of Aviation
The leadership changes reinforce Lockheed Martin’s commitment to advancing airpower capabilities across all domains. As a global defense technology leader, Lockheed Martin continues to accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies under its 21st Century Security® vision.
For more information, visit LockheedMartin.com.
