Oto Melara North American names new CEO

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Italian company Finmeccanica announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer of its naval defense unit, Oto Melara North America.

Officials announced retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. James Amerault will take over as CEO of Oto Melara North America effective immediately. Washington-based Oto Melara North America is a developer of weapon systems, field artilleries, armored vehicles and gun turrets among other defense applications.

"We are extremely confident that we have the right man for the job," Pier Francesco Guarguaglini, Finmeccanica chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "With more than 25 years of hands-on executive experience in military and security operations, fiscal management, strategic planning and legislative relations within the Department of Defense and the private defense industry, Vice Admiral Amerault brings expertise and a unique perspective to Oto Melara."

Amerault has served as the deputy chief of naval operations, fleet readiness and logistics for the U.S. Navy among other assignments.

"Vice Admiral Amerault is a proven senior executive with an impeccable track record in managing large organizations," Guarguaglini said. "He is an experienced leader and skillful communicator with exceptional management, organizational and administrative skills."