General Dynamics [GD] yesterday said its board of directors has elected CEO Jay Johnson to also be chairman, succeeding Nicholas Chabraja, who has been the company’s chairman since July 1997.

Johnson became CEO on July 1, 2009, succeeding Chabraja in that role as well. Johnson’s election as chairman is effective immediately. He has been a member of GD’s board since 2003 and became vice chairman in September 2008 as part of the company’s succession plan.

Chabraja will remain on GD’s board of directors.