Leidos names Michael Leiter its executive vice president for business development and strategy

Leidos Holdings, Inc. announced on Nov. 4 the appointment of Michael Leiter as executive vice president for business development and strategy, effective November 17, 2014.

In his new role, Leiter is responsible for business development, strategy development and execution, communications, government affairs, and mergers and acquisition activities. He will work out of the company’s headquarters in Reston, VA.

Leiter most recently worked for the data analysis software firm Palantir Technologies as counselor to the CEO. In that role, he developed and optimized market strategy, business practices and internal operations, as well as managing Palantir’s engagement with governments and commercial cyber clients. He previously served as director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). He was nominated by President George W. Bush and sworn in to this role on June 12, 2008, after serving as the acting director since November 2007. He was one of the few national security officials asked to continue in his role by President Barack Obama in 2009. He continued to serve in this capacity until July 2011.

“We’re excited to welcome Michael to the Leidos team. He brings an impressive background and strong track record of strategic, operational and industry expertise to Leidos. He will add significant leadership bench strength to our management team and will help our business development efforts build momentum moving forward,” said Leidos CEO Roger Krone. “He has demonstrated his ability to develop and lead critical organizations in both the government, intelligence and commercial spaces – his in depth industry knowledge and passion for the work that we do will help us continue to increase our strategic focus, and ultimately better serve our customers.”

During his time as director of the NCTC, Leiter led the primary organization in the U.S. government for analysis and integration of all terrorism intelligence—both domestically and overseas. He reported directly to the President in conducting strategic operational planning for U.S. Government-wide counterterrorism activities, to include the integration of U.S. military, intelligence, diplomatic, financial, and homeland security counterterrorism efforts.

Leiter led more than 1,000 employees and managed an annual budget of more than $400 million in this role, while at the same time advising the Office of Management and Budget on the allocation of more than $100 billion annually for government-wide counterterrorism activities.

Before joining NCTC, Leiter served as the deputy chief of Staff for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). He was also involved in the development of national intelligence centers, including NCTC and the National Counterproliferation Center, and their integration into the larger Intelligence Community.