Pelican Products Inc., the Torrance-based maker of advanced lighting systems, has appointed retired Marine Corps General Peter Pace as its chairman.

Pace, a retired four-star general, which is the highest rank, is a former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As Pelican’s non-executive chairman, he will provide strategic oversight to Pelican’s work in the military, defense and federal government sectors.

He succeeds Rob Gluskin, a Behrman Capital operating partner, who will continue to serve as a director for the privately held company.

“The military and defense markets are an important strategic focus for Pelican and we are devoted to developing new technologies and products that enable the U.S. and allied militaries to do their jobs better and safer,” said Pelican’s chief executive, Lyndon Faulkner.

Pace, 62, served as the 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the most senior position in the United States Armed Forces, from September 2005 to October 2007. In that capacity, he served as advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council. During his tenure as chairman he was responsible for providing military advice on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Pace is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds a master’s degree in business administration from George Washington University. He received his commission in the Marine Corps in June 1967.