Hanwha Aerospace has appointed Michael Coulter as Global Defense CEO to manage the company’s business initiatives in the global defence market.
In this newly created position, Coulter will be responsible for overseeing the global defence businesses of Hanwha Aerospace and its subsidiaries such as Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Systems.
His appointment underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its international presence and consolidating its defence sector leadership. With Coulter’s appointment, Hanwha aims to strengthen its strategic position by delivering integrated land, sea, and air solutions in key global markets, particularly the United States, as part of its vision to become a world-class defence company.
Coulter brings an exceptional and distinguished background to this role, with his extensive experience in both government and defence sectors. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Business Development for Leonardo DRS and President of Leonardo DRS International, where he led the company’s growth and transformation from a primarily U.S. business to a global player in the aerospace and defence industry.
“I’m honoured to be asked to join one of the most respected companies in the world. While serving in the industry, I’ve been impressed by Hanwha’s continued growth as a leader in aerospace & defence and the commitment to deliver for its customers,” said Coulter, Global Defense CEO of Hanwha Aerospace. “As a combat veteran with a career devoted to the security cooperation of allies and partners, I am committed to the mission of this great company to provide global security, industrial capacity, and solutions for the brave men and women who protect our freedoms.”
His distinguished career spans multiple critical roles in national security and defence. Prior to his corporate position, Coulter served in senior leadership positions at the U.S. Department of Defense, including roles as Assistant Secretary of Defense (Acting), Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, and Principal Deputy for Strategic Plans and Policy on the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also served at the U.S. Department of State as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs and Coordinator for Coalition Operations, as well as National Security Advisor in the U.S. Senate.
A U.S. Navy reserve officer with command and combat experience across multiple regions including the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa, Coulter has deep operational and strategic expertise. Coulter holds master’s degrees in business (MBA) from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and National Security and Strategic Studies (MA) from the U.S. Naval War College.
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