Leidos Holdings Appoints New CTO to Enhance AI and Cybersecurity Innovations
- Leidos Holdings appointed Theodore Tanner Jr. as Chief Technology Officer, effective January 5, 2026, to enhance AI and cyber solutions.
- Tanner's expertise in AI and defense will drive Leidos' growth strategy, focusing on innovative technology and autonomous systems.
- Leidos continues to invest in cybersecurity and emerging technologies to meet evolving customer needs and strengthen market position.
Leidos Holdings Appoints New CTO to Advance AI and Cyber Solutions
Leidos Holdings, a prominent player in defense, government, and healthcare sectors, announces the appointment of Theodore "Ted" Tanner Jr. as its new Chief Technology Officer, effective January 5, 2026. Tanner, previously the Chief Technology and Strategy Officer at BigBear.ai, brings a wealth of experience in artificial intelligence (AI), mission-critical software, and cyber solutions. He succeeds Jim Carlini, who has served as CTO since 2019 and will remain with the company as a senior advisor on national security issues. This leadership transition aligns with Leidos' NorthStar 2030 growth strategy, which emphasizes the importance of innovation across critical domains such as space, maritime, digital modernization, and full-spectrum cyber capabilities.
Tanner’s appointment is pivotal as Leidos aims to enhance its technological prowess and focus on AI-driven solutions. His extensive background includes significant contributions to the U.S. Department of War and various civilian agencies, where he has successfully led initiatives in AI and machine learning. Tanner holds 18 U.S. patents and is actively involved in the scientific advisory board of QuiverBioscience, where he explores the application of AI in developing treatments for brain disorders. This blend of experience in both defense and innovative technology positions him uniquely to spearhead Leidos' efforts in transforming its offerings with cutting-edge AI solutions.
In his new role, Tanner expresses a strong commitment to positioning Leidos as a leader in agentic AI, particularly in the creation of autonomous systems that are crucial for the defense and healthcare markets. Leidos CEO Tom Bell highlights Tanner as a high-impact leader with a proven ability to deliver innovative technology, reinforcing the company's strategic direction in meeting pressing customer challenges. As Tanner prepares to take the helm of Leidos' technology initiatives, the company is set to capitalize on his expertise to drive meaningful advancements that support its growth objectives.
In addition to Tanner's hiring, Leidos continues to strengthen its position in the cybersecurity landscape, recognizing the increasing importance of robust cyber solutions in both public and private sectors. The company’s ongoing commitment to innovation is evidenced by its strategic investments in emerging technologies, which aim to address the evolving needs of its diverse customer base.
As Leidos looks to the future, the integration of Tanner’s vision and expertise is expected to play a critical role in enhancing the company’s technological capabilities, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry amid rapid technological advancements.
