Key Takeaways
- Katie Arrington has been appointed as IonQ’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective January 19, 2026
- Leslie Kershaw has been promoted to Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), reporting to Arrington
- Arrington will oversee the protection and modernization of IonQ’s global enterprise systems and strengthen operational and cyber resilience
- Kershaw will be responsible for achieving federal and commercial cybersecurity requirements and managing enterprise cyber and physical security
- IonQ is committed to developing breakthrough quantum systems while protecting critical data, infrastructure, and missions
Introduction to IonQ’s New Leadership
IonQ, the world’s leading quantum platform company, has announced the appointment of Katie Arrington as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the promotion of Leslie Kershaw to Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Arrington, a national security leader and technology advocate, will join IonQ’s executive team on January 19, 2026, and report to Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer Inder Singh. Kershaw, who is currently with IonQ Capella, will assume her new role and report to Arrington. This move is expected to accelerate IonQ’s growth and impact in the field of quantum computing.
The Significance of Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is a rapidly evolving field that has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including national defense, economic competitiveness, and global security. IonQ’s Chairman and CEO, Niccolo de Masi, emphasized the importance of quantum computing, stating that it is one of the most consequential technologies shaping the future. With Arrington and Kershaw on board, IonQ is well-positioned to advance America’s edge in this critical technology and ensure the nation’s technological superiority.
Katie Arrington’s Background and Experience
As CIO, Arrington will oversee the protection and modernization of IonQ’s global enterprise systems, safeguard digital assets and supply chains, and strengthen operational and cyber resilience. Her experience in the Department of War, where she advised the Secretary on enterprise information management, satellite, communications, and spectrum capabilities, cyber assurance, and space and emerging technology policy, makes her an ideal candidate for this role. Arrington has also served as Deputy CIO for Cybersecurity, leading defense-wide oversight of cyber strategy, governance, and compliance. Her industry leadership includes senior roles with Exiger, Booz Allen Hamilton, Centuria Corporation, and Dispersive Networks, where she focused on strengthening the defense industrial base, accelerating innovation, and protecting national security.
Leslie Kershaw’s New Role
Kershaw assumes responsibility for achieving federal and commercial cybersecurity requirements, managing enterprise cyber and physical security, and ensuring security keeps pace with IonQ’s rapid commercial expansion. With nearly two decades of cyber leadership experience, including service as Cyber Technical Director for Space DELTA 6, U.S. Space Force, Kershaw is well-equipped to handle the challenges of her new role. Her experience guiding cyber architecture and operational readiness for teams across 13 globally dispersed locations will be invaluable in ensuring the security of IonQ’s systems and data.
IonQ’s Commitment to Security and Innovation
Together, Arrington and Kershaw bring unmatched experience at the intersection of national security, emerging technology, cyber operations, and quantum innovation. Their appointments reinforce IonQ’s commitment to developing breakthrough quantum systems while protecting the nation’s—and the world’s—most critical data, infrastructure, and missions. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the forthcoming IonQ Tempo, will be the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in various fields.
About IonQ
IonQ, Inc. is the world’s leading quantum platform company delivering solutions for quantum computing, networking, sensing, and security. With over 1,300 employees at operations in various locations worldwide, IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before. The company’s quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, and it meets the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ’s commitment to security and innovation is evident in its achievement of 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance. With Arrington and Kershaw on board, IonQ is poised to continue its leadership in the field of quantum computing and make significant contributions to the development of this critical technology.