General Dynamics announced the appointment of Michael W. Toner, 59, as executive vice president of the Marine Systems group, reporting to the chairman and CEO. He succeeds John K. Welch, who has announced his retirement; Welch had led the Marine Systems group since January 2000. Toner will also continue in his present position as president of General Dynamics Electric Boat.
"John Welch served General Dynamics with energy and skill, and we wish him well in his retirement," said Nicholas D. Chabraja, General Dynamics chairman and CEO.
"Mike Toner has the operational experience to ensure that Marine Systems delivers value to our shareholders, and ships of the superb capability and quality that our customers expect," Chabraja said. "Our Marine Systems group has a backlog of almost $12 billion, which gives it great stability and strength. Mike has a broad background in all phases of naval shipbuilding, and I have great confidence in his ability to make sure that Marine Systems achieves its great potential."
Toner became a vice president of General Dynamics and president of Electric Boat in January 2000; he had been senior vice president of Electric Boat since June 1998.
He joined Electric Boat in 1965 as a test engineer. Over the next 25 years, he held several management positions, including manager of Reactor Services. In 1990, he was appointed Electric Boat's director of operations and directed all production, planning and support activities from the start of construction to the ship's delivery. He was promoted to vice president of operations two years later. In 1994, he was appointed vice president of delivery and was responsible for all production, delivery and support activities. In 1995, he became vice president of innovation, with responsibility for all engineering and design activity.
Toner earned a bachelor's degree in nuclear science from the New York Maritime College, a master's degree in engineering from the University of Connecticut, and a master's degree in business administration from the University of New Haven.