Dear HII Team:

Even the best organizations send-off great contributors now and then, including those who built and shaped the company we know as HII today. After 35 years running Human Resources at HII and at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding before that, Bill Ermatinger will be retiring as executive vice president and chief human resources officer, effective April 1. Bill has made an indelible mark on HII and on the teams all around us. We thank him for his service and we wish him well.

To fill Bill’s shoes, we are proud and excited to announce we have a deep bench of talent we are promoting from within.

Edmond Hughes, who has served for 16 years as vice president of HR for Ingalls Shipbuilding, will be assuming corporate responsibilities as executive vice president and chief human resources officer for HII. Edmond led HR at Ingalls Shipbuilding during a period of challenges ranging from labor negotiations, natural disasters, a pandemic, and — on the flip side — tremendous growth for the division. Edmond has been an unwavering team player in the recruitment of top talent, and in cultivating a positive candidate and employee experience.

Taking Edmond’s position as vice president of human resources at Ingalls is Susan Jacobs, who has served in this capacity at Newport News Shipbuilding since 2016. In assuming the role, Susan is returning to familiar territory, having served as a leader at Ingalls from 2007 to 2016 before moving north. Susan’s background and strengths in the areas of talent development, labor relations and recruitment will be invaluable at Ingalls as well; she will lead a strategic pivot and increased investment in people.

Together these moves to corporate, and between the divisions, foster critical knowledge sharing and alignment within our business. They are also testament to the values of respect, engagement and performance that are hallmarks of HII’s culture. Please join me in thanking Bill for his service, and congratulating Edmond and Susan on their new opportunities for growth and service of our company and our customers.

Chris Kastner
HII Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer