Sprint has named retired Admiral Mike Mullen as its first security director.

"Admiral Mullen is an admired leader with an impeccable record," Sprint CEO Dan Hesse said in a statement. "We are fortunate that a person with his experience, accomplishments and reputation will be a member of our new board."

Sprint said the appointment will become official upon the closing of the company's deal with Softbank.

As security director, Mullen, 66, will be charged with overseeing Sprint’s compliance with the national-security agreement with the U.S. and serve as the government’s liaison for all security-related matters.

Mullen retired in September 2011 after a decorated military career that was capped off by being named the 17th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in October 2007. Mullen is also only the third naval officer in the history of the Navy to be appointed to four different four-star assignments.

Mullen is also a director at General Motors.