Leidos, a major player in defense and technology, has announced the appointment of Theodore “Ted” Tanner Jr. as its new chief technology officer. Tanner brings a wealth of experience in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and mission-critical software. Starting January 5, 2026, he will succeed Jim Carlini, who has led the company’s tech efforts since 2019 and is stepping down to focus on advisory roles.

Leadership and Strategic Goals

Leidos CEO Tom Bell expressed great confidence in Tanner’s capabilities, highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit and proven track record of delivering innovative technology solutions. Bell emphasized that Tanner’s expertise aligns well with Leidos’ focus on AI-driven growth and the company’s NorthStar 2030 strategy, which aims to strengthen its presence in space, maritime, cyber, and health sectors.

Jim Carlini will remain with Leidos as a senior advisor on national security matters, supporting the company’s ongoing efforts. Bell praised Carlini’s leadership in building the company’s technological foundation and enhancing U.S. security, noting that his experience will continue to benefit Leidos in his advisory role.

Tanner’s Background and Vision

Tanner’s appointment signals Leidos’ commitment to advancing AI and automation. He previously served as chief technology and strategy officer at BigBear.ai, where he led the development of AI and machine learning solutions for U.S. defense and intelligence agencies. His work in applying AI to national security missions has earned him recognition in the tech community.

In addition to his government work, Tanner sits on the scientific advisory board of QuiverBioscience, a company using AI to develop treatments for brain disorders. His extensive career includes previous roles at tech giants like Apple and Microsoft, and he holds 18 U.S. patents related to AI and machine learning. His experience also includes leadership roles at IBM Watson Health, where he focused on genomics and oncology applications.

Tanner’s entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in his co-founding of startups PokitDok and BeliefNetworks. His diverse background positions him well to lead Leidos into a future where AI plays a central role in solving complex problems across various sectors. Tanner expressed enthusiasm about joining Leidos and aims to push the company toward becoming a leader in autonomous systems and AI-powered solutions for critical missions.

Overall, this leadership change marks a strategic move for Leidos as it seeks to leverage AI to accelerate innovation, improve security, and expand its capabilities in emerging markets. With Tanner’s expertise, the company is poised to advance its technological edge and continue delivering cutting-edge solutions to its government and commercial clients.

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• https://ai-techpark.com/leidos-taps-leading-ai-tech-executive-ted-tanner-as-cto/