He said it was helpful to get to know industry executives over time, but he had no concerns about working with Hewson or any other member of the Lockheed leadership team.

Hewson told analysts on Friday that the F-35 program would be her biggest priority in her new job.

Lockheed shares closed 37 cents higher at $90.18 on Tuesday.

Lockheed is pressing the Pentagon to conclude negotiations about a fifth batch of F-35 fighter jets, which have been under way for nearly a year. Senior Pentagon officials and Lockheed executives met to discuss the contract on Nov. 1.