Key Takeaways:
- Leidos has appointed Theodore "Ted" Tanner Jr. as its new Chief Technology Officer to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence, mission-critical software, and cyber and quantum solutions.
- Tanner will succeed Jim Carlini, who has been Leidos’ CTO since 2019 and will remain as a senior advisor to the CEO on national security matters.
- Leidos’ NorthStar 2030 strategy aims to drive growth in areas such as space and maritime domains, digital modernization, and full-spectrum cyber, with a focus on delivering outcomes through proven AI.
- Tanner brings extensive experience in AI, machine learning, and technology development, with a track record of delivering bold and disruptive tech to defense, government, and healthcare customers.
Introduction to Leidos’ New CTO
Leidos, a leading industry and technology company, has announced the appointment of Theodore "Ted" Tanner Jr. as its new Chief Technology Officer. Tanner will assume the role on January 5, 2026, succeeding Jim Carlini, who has been Leidos’ CTO since 2019. Carlini will remain with the company as a senior advisor to the CEO on national security matters. The appointment of Tanner is a strategic move by Leidos to accelerate its deployment of artificial intelligence, mission-critical software, and cyber and quantum solutions to customers’ most pressing challenges.
Ted Tanner’s Background and Experience
Tanner brings a wealth of experience in AI, machine learning, and technology development to Leidos. He most recently served as Chief Technology and Strategy Officer at BigBear.ai, where he led the development of AI and machine learning capabilities for the U.S. Department of War and intelligence and civilian agencies. Prior to BigBear.ai, Tanner held leadership roles at IBM Watson Health, Apple, and Microsoft, and has co-founded several startups, including PokitDok and BeliefNetworks. He holds 18 U.S. patents in AI, machine learning, and other technologies, and currently sits on the scientific advisory board of QuiverBioscience, which is applying AI to the development of treatments for brain disorders.
Leidos’ NorthStar 2030 Strategy
Leidos’ NorthStar 2030 strategy is designed to drive growth in areas such as space and maritime domains, digital modernization, and full-spectrum cyber, with a focus on delivering outcomes through proven AI. The strategy aims to set Leidos apart in these areas and position the company for long-term success. With Tanner on board, Leidos is well-placed to accelerate its progress in these areas and deliver innovative solutions to its customers. As Leidos CEO Tom Bell noted, "Ted is a high-impact leader who pairs entrepreneurial creativity with execution discipline to solve tough deep-technology challenges. His track record of delivering bold, disruptive tech to defense, government, and healthcare customers is a great fit with our capabilities and NorthStar 2030 growth priorities."
Tanner’s Vision for Leidos
Tanner is excited to join Leidos and propel the company into an agentic AI leader, empowering developers to build autonomous systems that orchestrate critical missions for customers across growing markets in defense, health, quantum computing, and more. He believes that Leidos has the potential to be a powerhouse in the AI space, and he is committed to driving innovation and growth in this area. As he noted, "I’m thrilled to join Leidos as CTO. Together, we’ll propel this iconic powerhouse into an agentic AI leader, empowering developers to build autonomous systems that orchestrate critical missions for customers across growing markets in defense, health, quantum computing, and more."
About Leidos
Leidos is a leading industry and technology company that serves government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. The company is committed to delivering innovative solutions to its customers and driving growth in areas such as AI, cyber, and quantum computing. With the appointment of Ted Tanner as CTO, Leidos is well-placed to achieve its goals and continue to be a leader in the industry.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These statements are based on management’s current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or occurrences. A number of factors could cause Leidos’ actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the "Risk Factors" set forth in Leidos’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Leidos does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made.
