Michael Coulter named as new head of Hanwha Defense USA

Hanwha has appointed Michael Coulter as the new president and CEO of Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA), underscoring the company’s strategic commitment to expanding its presence in the US market, the company announced on 3 November 2025.

Coulter previously served as president and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Global Defense (HGD), where he led global business initiatives. Under his leadership, Hanwha crafted a new global strategy focused on building sovereign capabilities and strengthening international partnerships while expanding its regional presence by appointing new leaders in Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. Coulter also spearheaded the establishment of HGD, which oversees Hanwha’s global defence and shipbuilding initiatives spanning Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Ocean.

In his new role as president and CEO of HDUSA, Coulter will focus on strengthening Hanwha’s US partnerships and driving growth in this critical market, spanning both the shipbuilding and defence sectors. Remaining a board member of Hanwha Aerospace, he will continue to support the company’s global strategy and collaborate with Korean and international leadership to advance Hanwha’s transformation plans.

Mike Smith, who has served as president and CEO of HDUSA, will assume the role of chief operating officer (COO) and president of Land Systems. In this capacity Smith will ensure continuity and leverage his proven record in driving operational excellence, expanding into adjacent markets and improving overall business performance.

“These appointments come as Hanwha seeks to play a greater role in the revitalisation of the US shipbuilding industry, while also supporting the growth of the US defence-industrial base as a trusted partner,” Hanwha stated in a press release.

In December 2024 Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Ocean announced the successful completion of their USD 100 million (EUR 86.9 million) acquisition of Philly Shipyard: a leading US shipbuilder for commercial and government projects.

Coulter has more than 30 years of experience in national security and defence, including senior roles in the aerospace industry following leadership roles at the US Department of Defense, Department of State and US Senate. He is also a US Navy Reserve officer with command and combat experience in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa. He holds an MBA from Georgetown

University and a Master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College.