The HII board of directors has elected Kari Wilkinson as president of Newport News Shipbuilding, or NNS, the largest company division overseeing over 26,000 shipbuilders who design, build and maintain nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines.
The shipbuilder said Wednesday Wilkinson, who has served as president of HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division since 2021, will succeed Jennifer Boykin, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
HII CEO and President Chris Kastner shared that Boykin, who will retire by the end of the year, will stay with the company in an advisory capacity until March to support the leadership transition.
Commenting on Wilkinson’s appointment, Kastner highlighted the new NNS president’s experience in driving Ingalls Shipbuilding into its next phase of growth and securing serial production contracts for the U.S. Navy’s destroyer and amphibious ship programs.
Ingalls Shipbuilding recently won a $9.6 billion multiship procurement contract for the construction of three San Antonio-class amphibious ships and a contract modification for the next America-class large-deck amphibious ship.
“I join the Newport News team with deep respect for its nuclear culture, commitment to safety, and an exceptional legacy further strengthened by Jennifer and the NNS team,” said Wilkinson. “I am fully committed to advancing our mission in support of our sailors, their families, and for all of us who depend on them for freedom and security.”
Brian Blanchette to Lead HII Ingalls Shipbuilding Division
With Wilkinson moving to another division, the HII board also elected Brian Blanchette to head the Ingalls Shipbuilding division, where he currently serves as vice president of quality and engineering. Blanchette has been with the company for 28 years, holding various roles in technical and design engineering, program management and business development areas.
“My focus will be to build on my predecessors’ success, particularly Kari’s, and to carry forward our strong shipbuilding legacy and honor our commitment to our nation by delivering the quality ships our service members depend on,” Blanchette said of his appointment.
