Walt Havenstein is a seasoned leader in the defense and technology sectors, having served as the CEO of Leidos Holdings, Inc. from September 2009 to February 2012. Before joining Leidos, he was the Chief Operating Officer at BAE Systems, a...

Walt Havenstein is a seasoned leader in the defense and technology sectors, having served as the CEO of Leidos Holdings, Inc. from September 2009 to February 2012. Before joining Leidos, he was the Chief Operating Officer at BAE Systems, a major defense contractor with over $34 billion in annual revenue. During his tenure at Leidos, he guided the company through significant changes and was instrumental in shaping its strategic direction. His total compensation in 2012 was noteworthy—over $5 million, which included a significant cash incentive based on performance. One interesting aspect of Havenstein’s career is how he transitioned from a leading position in a large international company to a pivotal role in a growing American defense firm. He retired in 2012 after ensuring a solid leadership transition. His insider stock trading indicated confident insights into the company’s growth, peaking at around $158 million in value by late 2024, showing a consistent upward trend. Havenstein's decisions significantly impacted the landscape of the defense technology industry during his career, and he maintained a strong relationship with his shareholders throughout his leadership.