James R. Mellor has been named president...

James R. Mellor has been named president and chief operating officer of General Dynamics Corp., effective Jan. 1.

Mellor, 60, is executive vice president-marine, land systems and international at General Dynamics corporate offices in St. Louis. He will succeed President and CEO Herbert F. Rogers, 65, who will continue on special assignment as general manager of the company’s Ft. Worth division.

Rogers will become vice chairman on Jan. 1.