Leidos Expands AI Capabilities with 18-Patent CTO Ted Tanner
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Leidos has appointed Theodore “Ted” Tanner Jr. as its new chief technology officer to advance the deployment of artificial intelligence, mission-critical software, and cyber and quantum solutions. Effective January 5, 2026, Tanner will succeed Jim Carlini, building upon Leidos’ technological foundation and NorthStar 2030 growth priorities. Tanner brings extensive experience, including leadership roles at BigBear.ai and IBM Watson Health, and holds 18 U.S. patents in AI, machine learning, and related technologies. This appointment aims to position Leidos as a leader in agentic AI, empowering the development of autonomous systems for defense, healthcare, and quantum computing applications.
Leidos Appoints Ted Tanner as Chief Technology Officer Leidos appointed Ted Tanner Jr. as its new chief technology officer, effective January 5, 2026. He succeeds Jim Carlini, who held the position since 2019 and is transitioning to a senior advisor role focusing on national security. Tanner brings extensive experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning, most recently serving as chief technology and strategy officer at BigBear.ai, where he developed capabilities for the U.S. Department of War and other agencies. Tanner’s appointment is designed to accelerate Leidos’ deployment of AI, mission-critical software, and cyber/quantum solutions, aligning with the company’s NorthStar 2030 growth priorities. Leidos CEO Tom Bell highlighted Tanner’s track record of delivering “bold, disruptive tech” in defense, government, and healthcare. Tanner intends to position Leidos as a leader in “agentic AI”, empowering developers to create autonomous systems for critical missions. A veteran of companies like Apple, Microsoft, and IBM Watson Health, Tanner holds 18 U.S. patents in AI, machine learning, and related technologies. He also co-founded startups PokitDok and BeliefNetworks, and currently serves on the scientific advisory board of QuiverBioscience. Leidos, with approximately 47,000 global employees, reported annual revenues of around $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ending January 3, 2025. NorthStar 2030 Strategy and AI Implementation Leidos is prioritizing artificial intelligence as a key component of its NorthStar 2030 strategy, aiming to distinguish itself in areas like space, maritime solutions, digital modernization, and cyber capabilities. The appointment of Ted Tanner as chief technology officer on January 5, 2026, is intended to accelerate the deployment of AI, alongside mission-critical software and cyber/quantum solutions. Progress in these areas, and others, is specifically fueled by driving outcomes through proven AI technologies, according to the company. Ted Tanner brings extensive experience in AI and machine learning, having most recently served as chief technology and strategy officer at BigBear.ai where he developed AI capabilities for the U.S. Department of War and other agencies. He also holds 18 U.S. patents in AI, machine learning, and related technologies, and previously held leadership roles at IBM Watson Health, Apple, and Microsoft. Tanner’s goal is to position Leidos as an “agentic AI leader,” empowering developers to build autonomous systems. Leidos, reporting approximately $16.7 billion in annual revenues for the fiscal year ending January 3, 2025, views AI implementation as crucial for future growth. The company, with 47,000 global employees, expects Tanner’s expertise to drive innovation across key markets including defense, health, and quantum computing. This appointment follows the planned departure of Jim Carlini, Leidos CTO since 2019, who will remain a senior advisor on national security matters. His track record of delivering bold, disruptive tech to defense, government and healthcare customers is a great fit with our capabilities and NorthStar 2030 growth priorities.Tom Bell Tanner’s Background in AI and Technology Leadership Ted Tanner joins Leidos as chief technology officer, bringing extensive experience in artificial intelligence and technology leadership. Most recently, he served as chief technology and strategy officer at BigBear.ai, where he led development of AI and machine learning capabilities for the U.S. Department of War and other agencies. Prior to that, Tanner was chief technology officer and chief architect at IBM Watson Health, applying advanced technologies to areas like genomics and oncology. Tanner’s background also includes founding roles at startups PokitDok and BeliefNetworks, alongside a history with Silicon Valley companies Apple and Microsoft. He currently serves on the scientific advisory board of QuiverBioscience, focused on applying AI to brain disorder treatments. Notably, Tanner holds 18 U.S. patents in AI, machine learning, and related technologies, demonstrating a strong technical foundation for driving innovation at Leidos. Leidos anticipates Tanner will accelerate their deployment of AI, mission-critical software, and cyber/quantum solutions, aligning with their NorthStar 2030 growth strategy. The company reported approximately $16.7 billion in annual revenues as of January 3, 2025, and aims to become an “agentic AI leader” under Tanner’s leadership, empowering developers to build autonomous systems for defense, health, and other growing markets. Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leidos-taps-leading-ai-tech-executive-ted-tanner-as-chief-technology-officer-302640571.html Tags: