BAE Systems, the U.K.'s largest defense contractor, has hired David Gold, a senior partner with London-based international law firm Herbert Smith, to serve in the role of independent corporate monitor, effective as of Sept. 1.

His responsibilities are to assess and monitor BAE Systems' compliance as part of a plea agreement the company entered into earlier this year with the Department of Justice. His appointment will be in effect for a period of not less than three years. He will continue to serve during this time as a partner of Herbert Smith.

BAE, which was under investigation for six years for alleged bribes paid to Saudi officials and others, ultimately was not charged with a violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Instead, the company pleaded guilty on March 1 to one charge of "conspiring to commit offenses against the United States" and agreed to pay a $400 million fine—the third-largest ever for U.S. bribery-related cases. The conspiracy included acts "to impair and impede the lawful government functions" of the U.S., to make false statements to the government, and to violate the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, according to prosecutors' charging documents.