Christopher Kubasik, Lockheed Martin exec, resigns over relationship with subordinate

GlobalPost

Christopher Kubasik, president and CEO-elect of defense and aerospace company Lockheed Martin, announced his resignation from the company over an inappropriate relationship Friday afternoon. 

The shocking step-down comes the same day as CIA Director David Petraeus' stepped down due to an extra-marital affair. 

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Kubasik was asked to leave the company after an ethics investigation found that he had "a close personal relationship with a subordinate employee," according to a statement by the company.

Lockheed did not confirm the exact nature of Kubasik's relationship, Forbes reported

Lockheed president and COO Marillyn A. Hewson, 58, president and COO was promoted as CEO starting January 1, 2013.

“While I am deeply disappointed and saddened by Chris’ actions, which have been inconsistent with our values and standards, our swift response to his improper conduct demonstrates our unyielding commitment to holding every employee accountable for their actions,” Robert Stevens, chairman and CEO, said in a statement.

“Fortunately, we have a strong leadership team and a robust succession plan that allowed the board and me to react quickly and appropriately to this situation. Marillyn is an exceptional leader with impeccable credentials and deep knowledge of our business, customers, shareholders and employees," he added. 

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Kubasik was slated to become the head of Lockheed in January, taking Stevens' place. 

"I regret that my conduct in this matter did not meet the standards to which I have always held myself," Kubasik said in a statement, Bloomberg Businessweek reported

[View the story "Lockheed CEO resigns over affair same day Petraeus does" on Storify]

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