Executive Mosaic is honored to announce Linda Hudson, president and CEO of BAE Systems Inc., as the newest inductee into the Wash100, the premier group of leaders who drive innovation and growth at the intersection of the public and private sectors.

Hudson first joined BAE as president of the land and armaments operating group in 2007 from her role as an officer and vice president with General Dynamics Corp. and president of General Dynamics’ armament and technical products business unit.

She now serves as an executive director on both BAE Systems Inc.’s board of directors and the board of its London-based parent company, BAE Systems Plc. She concurrently serves on the parent company’s Executive Committee.

“It feels good to achieve something I never imagined I would have the opportunity to do,” Hudson told GovCon Exec in the feature story of our July 2010 print edition.

“On the other hand, we expect to face a difficult environment in defense going forward … after years of rapid growth, and more money than we knew what to do with, all of us in the industry are facing changing priorities.”

In her current role, Hudson is responsible for around 43,000 employees in the U.S., U.K, Israel, South Africa and Sweden whose operations generate $14.4 billion in 2011 revenue.

The University of Florida graduate has been named to Fortune Magazine’s list of the 50 most powerful women in business three years running and serves on the Executive Committee of the Aerospace Industries Association and the board of directors of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

She was also honored as Washingtonian Magazine’s 100 most powerful women in Washington, D.C. in 2010.

* photo courtesy of Florida Magazine