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Rita Flaherty

VP, Global Sales & BD GE Aerospace Defense & Systems

Rita Flaherty is the Vice President of Global Sales and Business Development for GE Aerospace Defense & Systems, a position she has held since April 2023.12 She is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in the defense and aerospace industry.2

Career Background

Prior to joining GE Aerospace, Flaherty had a long career at Lockheed Martin spanning more than 20 years.1 Her roles at Lockheed Martin included:

  • Vice President of Strategy and Business Development (June 2019 - April 2023)
  • Vice President of Business Development (May 2014 - June 2019)
  • Director of Fire Control Business Development (January 2013 - May 2014)
  • Director of Strategy and Business Development (December 2010 - January 2013)

At Lockheed Martin, she led growth strategies for various military products and programs, including HIMARS, GMLRS, Hellfire, Javelin, and targeting sensors for rotary wing aircraft.1

Military Service

Flaherty is a U.S. Army veteran.2 She graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1994 and served as a Military Intelligence officer in the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment and the 82nd Airborne Division.1 She is also a graduate of the U.S. Army Air Assault School and U.S. Army Airborne School.1

Education

In addition to her military education, Flaherty holds a Master of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Syracuse University.1

Current Role

In her position at GE Aerospace, Flaherty is responsible for developing and leading the growth strategy for GE Aerospace Military Systems.2 She manages and leads the Strategy, Sales Operations, Marketing, and International Sales teams.2 Her role involves showcasing GE Aerospace's global presence, supporting transatlantic military alliances, and promoting sustainable defense aviation.3

Highlights

Aug 23 · linkedin

Today at lunch with India’s Minister of Defense the Honorable Rajnath Singh shared the wisdom of “if you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go with partners.” GE Aerospace is localizing our proven fast AND far combat engines with “Make in India” partner HAL to modernize India’s fleet of combat aircraft; proudly continuing to build on GE’s legacy of 120 years in India.

Aug 5 · linkedin

Today was an extraordinary privilege for me to sign GE Aerospace’s offset agreement with the Polish Deputy Minister of Defense on behalf of Poland’s decision to purchase 96 Apache AH64 powered exclusively by GE Aerospace’s workhorse T700 engines.

As US Army Europe said: You’re gonna love ‘em, Team! They’re awesome! #StrongerTogether

This agreement establishes collaborations between GE Aerospace and the Military Aviation Works (WZL-1) in Deblin as well as the Military University of Technology in Warsaw (WAT).

WZL-1 will provide licensed MRO support for the T700/CT7 engines on the Apache as well as the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk, and Leonardo AW149 and AW101 helicopters that are in the Polish Armed Forces aircraft fleet.

WAT will manage training, including T700/CT7 engine training, for Polish technicians, military personnel, and WZL-1 employees who will support the helicopter fleet operating in the Polish Armed Forces as well as preparing future engineering staff for the Polish Armed Forces.

Both partners perfectly complement the Polish Armed Forces’ requirement for in-country capabilities. ▪ Sustaining high-value jobs in Poland ▪ Provide new areas of engine maintenance, repair,and overhaul (MRO) technology, training, and technical assistance for the defense industrial base, ▪ Enabling Polish industry to support the Polish Armed Forces in sustainment of the Apache fleet.

Related Questions

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Rita Flaherty
Rita Flaherty, photo 1
Rita Flaherty, photo 2
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Location

Orlando, Florida, United States