By Amanda Groves, Senior Correspondent
General Dynamics has unveiled a significant reshuffle of its executive leadership team, introducing a lineup of experienced internal leaders to guide the company’s strategic vision and operational performance into its next phase of growth. The newly announced appointments are designed to accelerate innovation and strengthen the company’s position in an increasingly competitive global defense and aerospace market.
With a renewed focus on agility, integration, and technological leadership, General Dynamics is aligning its top executives with the evolving demands of the defense, aerospace, and information technology sectors. The leadership changes reflect the company’s commitment to maintaining operational excellence while advancing its capabilities in next-generation systems and services.
Elevating Proven Leadership
At the forefront of this reshuffle is the promotion of Danny Deep to the newly created role of Executive Vice President of Global Operations. Deep brings over two decades of experience with the company and a proven track record of success. His expanded responsibilities include oversight of operational activities across all business units, including land systems, marine, information technology, and aerospace. His leadership is expected to ensure cohesion and high performance as the company continues to expand its domestic and international footprint.
Jason Aiken, who has served as Chief Financial Officer and more recently as Executive Vice President of Technologies, has been appointed Executive Vice President of Combat Systems. Aiken’s tenure with General Dynamics includes key financial and strategic leadership roles. He will also retain oversight of the Mission Systems business, enabling greater synergy between the company’s high-tech defense platforms and its mission-critical systems integration capabilities.
Amy Gilliland, the President of General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), has been named an Executive Vice President while continuing to lead GDIT. Her role places her among the top echelons of company leadership, reflecting the growing strategic importance of information technology and cybersecurity within the defense landscape. Gilliland is widely recognized for modernizing the GDIT portfolio and advancing the company’s cloud and digital transformation initiatives.
Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream Aerospace, has also been appointed Executive Vice President. Gulfstream is one of General Dynamics’ key revenue-generating divisions, and Burns’ continued leadership is seen as pivotal to the division’s long-term success. Under his guidance, Gulfstream has introduced several new aircraft models and expanded its customer service network worldwide.
Rob Smith will continue to serve as Executive Vice President of Marine Systems, maintaining leadership over the company’s shipbuilding operations, including nuclear-powered submarines and surface ships for the U.S. Navy.
Strategic Vision for Global Leadership
These appointments are part of a broader strategy to better align executive leadership with operational priorities and future growth opportunities. With global tensions driving increased demand for defense spending, General Dynamics is positioning itself to meet both current contractual obligations and the anticipated surge in demand for modernized platforms and secure digital solutions.
The creation of the new Executive Vice President of Global Operations role signals a shift toward integrated, cross-functional leadership. This centralized oversight is expected to enhance operational consistency and foster a culture of shared accountability across the company’s diverse portfolio.
Furthermore, the emphasis on internal promotions underscores the depth of talent within General Dynamics and its preference for leaders with long-standing institutional knowledge. Each newly appointed executive brings years of experience, a track record of operational excellence, and a deep understanding of customer needs and industry trends.
Operational Momentum and Future Outlook
General Dynamics, headquartered in Reston, Virginia, employs more than 110,000 people worldwide and reported revenues of nearly $48 billion last year. The company’s broad portfolio includes combat vehicles, IT systems, submarines, business jets, and mission systems—making it one of the most diversified defense and aerospace contractors in the world.
As geopolitical uncertainties and rapid technological advancements reshape defense priorities, the newly appointed leadership team is expected to steer the company through both challenges and opportunities. By consolidating leadership under a dynamic and experienced group of executives, General Dynamics is making a definitive statement about its readiness to innovate, adapt, and lead in a complex global environment.
These executive changes come at a pivotal time and mark a new chapter in General Dynamics’ journey toward operational excellence and long-term industry leadership.
