Leidos Announces Leadership Change with Thomas J. Downey as New Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer

Exciting Leadership Change at Leidos in Reston, Virginia

Reston, Virginia, is buzzing with some exciting news from one of its leading companies! Leidos, a top-notch innovation giant in the fields of national security and health, has just announced that Thomas J. Downey will be stepping into a crucial role as the executive vice president and chief communications and marketing officer. This change will take effect on October 7, and it certainly has many folks around here looking forward to what’s next.

A Glimpse into Thomas J. Downey’s Impressive Background

Thomas Downey isn’t just any newcomer; he brings a wealth of experience to the table, having built a remarkable career over the past 31 years at Boeing and its predecessor, McDonnell Douglas. Most notably, he served more than a decade as Boeing’s top communications official, shaping messages and strategies at a critical time in the aerospace and defense sectors.

In welcoming Downey, Leidos CEO Tom Bell expressed great enthusiasm, highlighting how they believe he is well-equipped to lead the company’s communications and marketing efforts. Bell called Downey’s addition to the team a significant move as they strive to build a world-class brand and create stronger connections with customers, employees, and the wider community.

Leading the Charge for Growth and Innovation

What’s all the buzz about? With Downey’s appointment, he will take charge of all aspects of internal and external communications alongside marketing functions. He’ll also be instrumental in bringing the Leidos government affairs team into the fold, ensuring that the company communicates cohesively with all stakeholders. This strategic alignment is seen as a crucial step to strengthen its position and presence in the industry.

When Downey shared his thoughts on joining Leidos, he expressed his honor to be part of the team during such an important time. He talked about the talented group of people at Leidos and their mission to drive growth through innovative solutions for customers. His insights indicate a desire to contribute meaningfully to the company’s bright future.

Career Highlights of Downey

As someone with a thoroughly diverse background, Downey has dipped his toes into various areas, from communications and community relations to business development and legislative affairs. He is a proud graduate of Saint Louis University and has also served as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Additionally, he honed his skills further on Capitol Hill as a Brookings Institution Congressional Fellow.

Beyond his professional accolades, it’s worth noting that Downey is also a strong supporter of numerous charitable organizations. This speaks to his commitment not just to his role in corporate leadership but to the community at large.

About Leidos

To give you a bit of background on Leidos, it’s a well-regarded Fortune 500 company that focuses on addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges related to national security and health. With a global workforce of around 48,000 employees, the company is known for its innovative technology solutions aimed at customers in heavily regulated industries. In fact, they reported a whopping $15.4 billion in annual revenue for the fiscal year ending December 29, 2023!

As Reston continues to grow as a hub for innovation, the move to bring in an experienced leader like Tom Downey signals Leidos’ commitment to remaining at the forefront of technology in the ever-evolving landscape of national security and health. The excitement around this change is palpable, and many are eagerly anticipating how his leadership will steer the company into its next chapter.