United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Boeing [BA] and Lockheed Martin

[LMT], announced Tuesday it was replacing chief executive Michael Gass “effective immediately” and named Tory Bruno as the new CEO.

United Launch Alliance (ULA) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Photo: ULA.
United Launch Alliance (ULA) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Photo: ULA.

ULA said that Gass was retiring after eight years at the helm and did not elaborate on his departure, saying only that he will work with Bruno “to ensure a smooth leadership transition and continued commitment to mission success.”

The government contracts ULA to launch military, weather, GPS and other satellites into space and has put 86 into orbit since its 2006 founding.

Bruno came to ULA from Lockheed Martin, where he most recently held the position of vice president and general manager of strategic and missile defense systems. He has previously worked on a number of space and missile programs, including the Navy’s Aegis program and the Pentagon’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) program.

“Tory is an ideal leader to take the reins at ULA. He’ll bring the same unwavering commitment to mission success that has been ULA’s hallmark, and will apply his proven track record of driving customer focus, innovation and affordability to shape ULA’s future,” said Rick Ambrose, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space Systems and a member of ULA’s board.

“We’re grateful for Mike’s leadership and contribution to ULA’s customers and employees, as well as the space industry as a whole,” said Craig Cooning, president of Boeing Network and Space Systems and also a ULA board member. “Tory understands the launch business as well as anyone and is well-qualified to ensure ULA keeps pace with changing customer needs and launch industry dynamics.”