Defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp., which has won federal contracts to study healthcare privacy controls and update electronic health-records access for the U.S. Coast Guard, asked Christopher Kubasik, its vice chairman, president and COO, to resign after the company's board learned he had a close personal relationship with a subordinate employee, according to a news release.

Kubasik, 51, had been set to become CEO of the Bethesda, Md.-based company in January. Lockheed received Kubasik's resignation, according to the news release, and Marillyn Hewson, executive vice president of the company's electronic systems unit, was named president, COO and a director effective immediately, and CEO effective Jan. 1. Hewson is 58.

Robert Stevens, current chairman and CEO, was appointed executive chairman effective Jan. 1. He said in the release that he was "deeply disappointed and saddened" by Kubasik's actions. While Kubasik violated Lockheed Martin's code of ethics and business conduct, it did not affect operations or financial performance of the company, according to the release.