BETHESDA, MD — Lockheed Martin has named Dean Acosta, a veteran of the aerospace and defense industries, senior VP  of communications.

During his nearly 30 years in the business, Acosta has worked for private and public sector organizations — including Lockheed Martin, where he spent a year and a half as director of communications earlier in his career.

Since October, Acosta has been leading global communications for smart home company Residio, whose spinoff from Honeywell coincided with Acosta taking on the role. He was head of communications for Honeywell’s home and building technologies group before that.

Acosta’s previous experience includes communications roles at Boeing space exploration business and NASA. He succeeds Jennifer Whitlow, who is now UnitedHealth Group’s chief communication officer.

"Dean is an impressive leader who has proven himself in both public service and in the private sector," said Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson. "His expertise and experience will help us communicate how our company works every day to protect lives, enhance security, and advance the frontiers of science and human understanding. We welcome Dean to the Lockheed Martin team."