BAE Appoints Paul Smith as SVP, Integrated Defense GM

Paul Smith has assumed new responsibilities as senior vice president and general manager of integrated defense solutions at BAE Systems.

In a LinkedIn post Tuesday, the executive confirmed that he is moving from BAE Systems’ ship repair business, which he led as SVP and GM since 2020, to integrated defense solutions.

“After five incredible years leading BAE Systems, Inc. Ship Repair, I’m excited to share that I’ve begun a new chapter within the company—now leading our Integrated Defense Solutions business,” Smith wrote.

Under his leadership, BAE Systems Ship Repair worked on over 65 U.S. Navy surface ships. Smith also said that the business unit kept shipyards running 24/7, even during the pandemic.

“Beyond Navy work, we expanded our commercial ship repair and supported the construction of next-generation U.S. Navy submarines and destroyers,” he added. “We invested heavily in our facilities in San Diego, Norfolk, and Jacksonville—most notably completing and certifying our new Shiplift in Jacksonville, the largest in the Western Hemisphere. These accomplishments are a testament to our team’s perseverance and innovation.”

In his new role, he will lead a team of over 2,000 people and oversee the strategic direction and operations of the integrated defense solutions business. He will also ensure mission platform effectiveness for Army, Navy and federal agency customers.

Who is Paul Smith?

Smith joined BAE Systems in 2017 as the company’s first-ever chief procurement officer. He was tasked with streamlining the company’s supply chain strategy and instilling financial discipline across procurement operations.

Before BAE Systems, he held leadership positions across multiple General Electric business units, including, most recently, at GE Power and Water, where he served as senior executive for over two years.

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