Richard Kirkland is founder of RGK Global, LLC, a consulting firm advising on international business strategy and execution following a 20-year career with Lockheed Martin Corporation.  In dual roles as Vice President of Corporate International Business Development and Vice President of Business Development at Lockheed Martin International, Mr. Kirkland was responsible for all Lockheed Martin international business development activities, executed through a network of five Lockheed Martin subsidiaries and twenty country field offices, including the international functions dealing with U.S. government agencies in Washington, D.C.

Earlier assignments in the Corporation included President for South Asia, which included business in India, ASEAN nations, Australia and New Zealand; Vice President, Maritime Surveillance Enterprise and Vice President, Washington International Business Development, responsible for supporting the Lockheed Martin business units’ international pursuits by developing and implementing strategies for U.S. Government advocacy, technology transfer, and Congressional notifications of pending military sales.

Before joining Lockheed Martin, Mr. Kirkland served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Legislative Affairs where he used experience gained as Director, Senate Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Navy. A Career Naval Officer, selected for Flag rank, he is both a designated Naval Aviator and a Surface Warfare Officer. Selected as Chief of Naval Operations Fellow for Strategic Studies Group IX, he also holds a master’s degree in Aeronautical Systems from the University of West Florida and a bachelor’s degree from the United States Naval Academy.