BAE Systems CEO Walt Havenstein resigns

Walt Havenstein, president and CEO of the U.S. subsidiary of British defense conglomerate BAE Systems PLC, is resigning, the company said Monday.

BAE Systems Inc. said U.S. Marine General Anthony Zinni has been named interim CEO.

Individuals with knowledge of the management change, who requested anonymity because no formal announcement has been made, said Havenstein is expected to become the CEO of defense contractor Science Applications International Corp., based in San Diego.

Havenstein, 60, is expected to leave BAE Systems Inc. June 26 and will step down as a director and chief operating officer of parent company BAE Systems on that date as well. He will leave the company permanently on Sept. 20.

SAIC has not made any formal announcements regarding Havenstein joining the company. A spokeswoman declined to comment on any senior management changes or plans by current Chairman, CEO and Chief Operating Officer Kenneth Dahlberg to leave the company.

Zinni, 65, a current board member, will become chairman and serve as acting president and CEO at BAE Systems Inc. until Havenstein's replacement is found. A four-star general for the Marine Corps, Zinni was formerly the commander in chief of U.S. Central Command.