New Delhi: The Board of BAE Systems plc has said that it has appointed Ravi Uppal as a non-executive director of the company, with effect from 2 April 2008. Uppal is currently president, global markets, for ABB Limited, a global major in the power and automation technology sector, where he is also a member of the group executive committee.

Uppal is based in Zurich, where he oversees ABB's marketing and business development worldwide.

Welcoming the new appointment, Dick Olver, chairman, BAE Systems said: ''Ravi has first hand experience of managing engineering and technology businesses in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. As we look to expand our global footprint, his appointment will further broaden the experience and knowledge within the Board.''

At ABB, Ravi Uppal has worked in India, Sweden, Germany and the Middle East. In 1990's he was managing director of Volvo India – establishing that company's business there.

From 2 April 2008 the BAE Systems Board of Directors will be as follows:
 
Non-Executive Directors

Dick Olver, chairman
Philip Carroll Jr.
Michael Hartnall
Sir Peter Mason
Sir Nigel Rudd
Roberto Quarta
Ravi Uppal
Peter Weinberg
Andy Inglis

Executive Directors

Mike Turner CBE, chief executive
George Rose, group finance director
Ian King, chief operating officer, UK & Rest of World
Walt Havenstein, chief operating officer and president & CEO, BAE Systems Inc

BAE Systems is a major global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services.

With 96,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales approximated £15 billion ($27 billion) in 2006.