FALLS CHURCH, VA — Northrop Grumman has named Lucy C. Ryan corporate VP, communications, effective Jan. 1.  Ryan (pictured) will be responsible for the corporation's worldwide communications strategy and execution, including media relations, employee communications, advertising, digital communications, executive communications and branding/corporate image. Ryan joined Northrop Grumman in September as VP, enterprise communications, and was previously director of communications for General Dynamics.

PURCHASE, NY — Atlas Air Worldwide has appointed Debora Coffey VP and chief communications officer. In this newly created role, Coffey will be responsible for corporate communications (both internal and external), including media relations, employee engagement, digital/social media and corporate social responsibility, as well as driving the overall alignment of Atlas Air Worldwide's messaging globally. Coffey spent the majority of her 20-plus year career at Avon, most recently as head of communications for New Avon.

SPRINGFIELD, MA — Ed Valle, most recently El Pollo Loco’s chief marketing officer, has joined Friendly’s as the restaurant chain’s chief branding officer. Valle, who left his previous job in June, has been with Friendly’s since October. Earlier in his career, Valle held top marketing posts for Choice Hotels International, Panera Bread, Dunkin’ Donuts and Subway.

SAN DIEGO — Halozyme Therapeutics has named Albert Kildani VP of investor relations and corporate communications. Kildani will develop and execute the company's investor relations strategy overseeing all aspects of corporate communications, including public relations. He joins from Vital Therapies, Inc., where he served as VP, investor relations and business development.