Former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has been elected chairman of the board of directors for BAE Systems Inc., the British defense contractor’s U.S. subsidiary.
Effective May 1, the company said he will start a three-year term and succeed retired Marine Corps Gen. Anthony Zinni, who began his tenure as chairman in June 2009.
Zinni, who joined the board in 2000, will remain a director through April 2014.
President and CEO Linda Hudson said Chertoff has contributed understanding of global security issues since joining the board in May 2010.
Over that time, the company said Chertoff has helped develop cybersecurity solutions for government and private sector customers and offered counsel on fighting terrorism and organized crime.
He served as DHS secretary between 2005 and 2009 and as an assistant attorney general for the Justice Department between 2001 and 2003.
He also co-authored the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, known as the Patriot Act.
In March, he joined the board of trustees at Noblis.
