HII, a leading American shipbuilding company, has announced that Kari Wilkinson will take over as president of the Newport News shipyard next year, following the retirement of Jennifer Boykin, who has had a distinguished 37-year career.
Currently, Wilkinson leads HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi, recognized for building US Navy destroyers and amphibious ships since she assumed her role in 2021. Brian Blanchette, vice president of quality and engineering at Ingalls, will replace her in that position.
Boykin has served as president of Newport News Shipbuilding since 2017, a facility known for being the sole prime contractor for the Navy’s aircraft carriers and a major collaborator with General Dynamics on both the Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines.
HII CEO Chris Kastner expressed appreciation for Boykin’s contributions, stating, “I have asked Jennifer to stay on in an advisory capacity through March to support a seamless transition to Kari. You will not find a more loyal advocate than Jennifer for her shipbuilders and the Hampton Roads community.” He lauded Wilkinson’s leadership at Ingalls, noting her success in securing contracts for the production of destroyers and amphibious ships, and emphasized her energy and expertise as she transitions to Newport News.
This leadership change follows a recent announcement by HII regarding a reduced outlook for free cash flow in 2024, attributed largely to supply chain challenges and the lingering effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
In response to inquiries about the timing of the announcement, an HII spokesperson explained, “The timing aligns with Jennifer’s retirement plans. HII has a long-term succession planning process in collaboration with our board of directors, which led to the election of Kari Wilkinson and Brian Blanchette. We are grateful for Jennifer’s 37 years of leadership and dedication, and she will be greatly missed by both shipbuilders and her colleagues at HII.”
The spokesperson further noted that Boykin had formally notified the company of her intent to retire earlier this year.
