Photo: Don Erickson (left) and Mike Fox (right).

Lockheed Martin announced that Mike Fox, current production operations director for the company’s Integrated Fighter Group programs, will succeed Don Erickson as the Greenville general manager and site director, effective Sept. 4. Erickson is retiring in September after 21 years with the company.

As the new general manager and site director, Fox will be responsible for the nearly 500-person operation, which provides nose-to-tail aircraft sustainment, modification, and production. He will also oversee the build-out of a production line for F-16 fighter aircraft and the new jobs that will support the production.

“Mike brings experience from production and sustainment across Lockheed Martin’s aircraft portfolio,” said Bruce Litchfield, Lockheed Martin’s vice president for Sustainment Operations. “He is stepping into a role at a time of incredible growth and opportunity.”

Fox joined Lockheed Martin in 2003 after serving 22 years in the U.S. Air Force. His roles have included site lead and production operations director for the company’s U-2 Dragon Lady depot maintenance program based in Palmdale, Calif., quality and mission success director for the C-5 Galaxy program, and C-130J Hercules assembly and flight operations director, as well as multiple leadership roles within the F-22 Raptor program in Marietta, Ga.

Erickson joined the company as director of planning for the Greenville site, and has since held a variety of technical and leadership roles. He has served as the general manager and site director since 2012.

“Don has been instrumental in positioning the site and the state as a leader in the aerospace industry by building a great team and paving the way to bring production of the F-16 fighter jet to Greenville,” said Litchfield. “He has also been at the helm as the site competes for a $16 billion contract to produce the U.S. Air Force’s next pilot trainer aircraft. With the new F-16 production and a contract win to build the trainer jet, the site would add nearly 500 jobs over the coming years.”

Erickson has also been an active member of the Greenville community, championing various causes such as Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes and the Upstate Honor Flight, and serves on the Palmetto Conservation Foundation board of directors. He was recognized by former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley as Greenville County’s 2015 Economic Ambassador and by Greenville Business Magazine as one of Greenville’s Most Influential people in 2016 and 2017.