Exciting Leadership Change at Leidos as Thomas J. Downey Joins as Chief Communications and Marketing Officer

Exciting Leadership Change at Leidos in Reston, Virginia

Reston, Virginia – A wave of enthusiasm has swept through the halls of Leidos, a renowned Fortune 500 innovation company, as they recently announced a significant addition to their leadership team. Effective October 7, 2024, Thomas J. Downey will step into the role of executive vice president, chief communications and marketing officer, bringing with him a robust background and a wealth of experience.

Joining the Leidos Family

Downey’s impressive career spans over 31 years, with a majority of that time dedicated to Boeing and its predecessor, McDonnell Douglas. For more than a decade, he was the top communications officer at Boeing, playing a vital role in shaping the company’s narrative and outreach strategies. Tom Bell, CEO of Leidos, shared his excitement about Downey’s arrival, stating, “It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Tom Downey to the Leidos team. With a track record of professional excellence in the industry, Tom brings a wealth of expertise to guide our journey to build a world-class brand.”

A Vision for the Future

In his new role, Downey will lead the company’s internal and external communications and marketing efforts. He is expected to enhance Leidos’s ability to connect with customers, employees, and partners alike. Furthermore, he will also focus on integrating the government affairs team, ensuring that Leidos approaches all constituencies with a cohesive voice.

“I’m honored to be joining Leidos at such a pivotal and exciting time for the company,” Downey expressed. He acknowledged the strong potential within the team and highlighted the company’s mission: to drive growth through innovative solutions for its customers.

Experience and Background

What sets Downey apart is not just his corporate experience but also his diverse background. He is a proud graduate of Saint Louis University and has served as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Beyond his military service, he has enriched his expertise through his tenure on Capitol Hill as a Brookings Institution Congressional Fellow. This eclectic mix of experience positions him uniquely to address the intricate challenges of communication and marketing in today’s climate.

Additionally, Downey is known for his commitment to community engagement and supports various charitable organizations, reflecting his values of service and community involvement.

About Leidos

For those who may not know, Leidos is a driving force in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, particularly in national security and health. With a global workforce of 48,000, they are dedicated to innovating smarter technology solutions for clients in heavily regulated industries. Just last year, in 2023, Leidos reported a staggering $15.4 billion in annual revenues, solidifying its place as a leader in the industry.

What Lies Ahead

The leadership transition comes at an important time for Leidos as they continue to evolve. With Downey at the helm of communications and marketing, the company is expected to forge stronger connections with its stakeholders and perhaps reshape its public image as it navigates the complexities of the modern market.

As the future unfolds, there’s no doubt that Downey’s expertise and vision will play a pivotal role in enhancing the Leidos brand. The anticipation around this leadership change reflects the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation.