Huntington Ingalls makes VP promotion at Newport News Shipbuilding

Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) reports that Ron Murray has been promoted to vice president of quality and process excellence for the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division.

As lead for the shipyard’s quality and process excellence policies and programs, Murray will oversee the planning, development and enforcement of quality and continuous improvement programs across the shipyard. He will report to NNS President Matt Mulherin.

“This position is a key driver of Newport News Shipbuilding’s success,” Mr. Mulherin said. “Ron’s job is to oversee the quality processes and provide independent assurance that we produce a top-quality product. He brings to the position 23 years of experience, technical knowledge and a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and first-time quality that I am confident will continue to move our organization forward.”

Mr. Murray is a fourth-generation shipbuilder. He has served in positions of increasing responsibility, including manager of the SUBSAFE program, design manager for the 688-class planning yard, and most recently director of quality and engineering services.

He is a licensed professional engineer and a graduate of Virginia Tech, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

“I have a real appreciation for the products we build and the people who build them,” Mr. Murray said. “I recognize that I will be the gatekeeper to the business regarding the quality of our ships. This is no small task, but I could not imagine being in a different position in this company. It’s exactly where I want to be.”

January 25, 2011