LADSON, S.C., Jan. 9 (UPI) -- South Carolina-based mine resistant ambush protected vehicle developer Force Protection Inc. announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer.
Officials say current CEO Gordon McGilton has announced plans to retire from the company at the end of 2008.
"The board of directors of Force Protection had originally asked me to step in as a CEO while the company developed and organized itself to meet the challenges of its extraordinary growth," McGilton said in a statement. "As the scope of that potential began to expand, so did the scope of my task and the length of time commitment. I have enjoyed the pleasure, over the last three years, of working with some very smart, committed and patriotic people at Force Protection."
Force Protection's board of directors decided to elevate the company's president, Michael Moody, to interim CEO until a new candidate has been selected. Moody has been named chairman of the board of directors.
"Force Protection is in a great position to build on the foundation of the company's innovative lifesaving ballistic and blast-protected wheeled vehicles," Moody said in a statement. "It is an honor to be entrusted with this transitional role, and I welcome the challenges and opportunities as we work to advance the Company's strategy for continued growth and success."
