BAE picks former General Dynamics exec as U.S. CEO

LONDON (Reuters) - British defence contractor BAE Systems has appointed Jerry DeMuro as president and chief executive of its U.S. unit, replacing Linda Hudson who announced her retirement in August last year.

Demuro, who previously served as executive vice president and corporate vice president at General Dynamics's information systems and technology group, will take up the position on February 1, BAE said in a statement on Tuesday.

Linda Hudson will retire from the board on February 1.

"His experience will be of immense benefit as the company strives to maintain its strong performance in the United States core defence market and increase its focus on new international and commercial opportunities," BAE's Chief Executive Ian King said.

(Reporting by Brenda Goh; editing by Kate Holton)