Leidos Appoints Ted Tanner as Chief Technology Officer to Enhance AI Deployment

Leidos Welcomes Ted Tanner as Chief Technology Officer

In a significant move to strengthen its position in the technology sector, Leidos has announced the appointment of Theodore "Ted" Tanner Jr. as its new chief technology officer (CTO). This change is aimed at accelerating the company's deployment of advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, critical mission software, and solutions related to cyber and quantum challenges. Tanner will officially take on this role starting January 5, 2026, succeeding Jim Carlini, who has held the position since 2019 and has decided to step down. Carlini will remain with Leidos as a senior advisor, focusing on national security matters.

Ted Tanner's Background

Ted Tanner has an impressive track record in tech leadership, most recently serving as chief technology and strategy officer at BigBear.ai. At BigBear, he played a crucial role in developing AI and machine learning capabilities for various branches of the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense and civilian agencies. Tanner's extensive experience in high-tech environments is complemented by his tenure at major companies like Apple and Microsoft, as well as roles at IBM Watson Health, where he focused on applying advanced technologies to healthcare domains such as genomics and oncology.

Apart from his corporate roles, Tanner's innovative spirit is evident in his record of holding 18 U.S. patents in fields like AI and machine learning. He is also a co-founder of several startups, showcasing his entrepreneurial mindset.

Strategic Vision for Leidos

Leidos' CEO, Tom Bell, expressed strong confidence in Tanner’s abilities, highlighting that he possesses a unique blend of entrepreneurial creativity and the execution discipline necessary to tackle complex technology challenges. The company’s NorthStar 2030 strategy aims to make Leidos a leader in critical tech domains including space, maritime, digital modernization, and comprehensive cyber solutions. The progress in these areas is expected to be largely driven by leveraging proven AI technologies.

“I'm thrilled to join Leidos as CTO,” Tanner remarked upon his appointment. He emphasized his commitment to transforming Leidos into a pioneering entity in artificial intelligence, which will enable developers to create autonomous systems tasked with orchestrating crucial missions across diverse sectors including defense and healthcare.

Aiming for Greater Innovations

Leidos has established a reputation as a leader in delivering smarter, more efficient mission innovations to government and commercial customers. With annual revenues nearing $17 billion, the firm continues to dedicate resources to delivering technology that not only meets current demands but anticipates future challenges as well.

Tanner’s goals align seamlessly with the company’s mission, as he is set to explore new avenues for innovation that leverage artificial intelligence in a way that can profoundly impact various fields—from defense to public health and beyond.

As Leidos moves forward, it aims to shape not only its own future but also the technology landscape as a whole, guiding developments that enhance security and operational efficiency for the United States and its allies. Tanner's leadership is expected to be instrumental in achieving these ambitious objectives as they intertwine with the rapidly evolving world of technology.

In conclusion, the appointment of Ted Tanner as CTO represents a strategic alignments for Leidos as it embarks on a new chapter focused on utilizing advanced technology to address pressing global issues. The company's commitment to innovation and industry-leading solutions is set to accelerate under Tanner’s guidance as they navigate the challenges of an increasingly complex technological environment.