QinetiQ‘s Tom Vecchiolla Secures 2nd Wash100 Award for Innovation Leadership in National Security Missions
Executive Mosaic is pleased to announce the selection of Tom Vecchiolla, president and CEO of QinetiQ US, as a 2025 Wash100 awardee. This marks his second Wash100 win in recognition of his leadership efforts in driving technological development in support of U.S. government and defense agency customers and their national security missions.
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“Tom, the new president and CEO of QinetiQ US, is bringing decades of impressive experience to his new role. A U.S. Navy veteran, Tom has built a distinguished career in defense, national security, and industry,” said Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic and founder of the Wash100 Award.
“Before joining QinetiQ US in January, he led high-profile global operations at Raytheon Technologies and ST Engineering North America, driving international growth and strategic partnerships. Now, as Tom takes the reins at the American arm of QinetiQ, he’s guiding the company’s expansion in the defense and national security sectors, building on QinetiQ’s critical Army contracts. Tom’s proven track record of leadership and innovation positions him to spearhead new advancements in support of our nation’s defense priorities,” added Garrettson.
Assuming Leadership of QinetiQ US
In January, Vecchiolla was named president and CEO of the U.S. arm of U.K.-based defense technology company QinetiQ Group, leading the company’s mission of bringing innovative defense and national security platforms to customers within the U.S. government sector.
He has served on QinetiQ US’ Special Security Agreement Board since April 2024, sharing insights gained from his three decades of experience in the military, public sector and defense industry.
“This is an exciting time in the U.S. market and a timely opportunity to build on QinetiQ’s strong foundation,” Vecchiolla said of his appointment. “I’m honored to join QinetiQ US and look forward to working with our talented team to deliver mission-led innovation to our customers and drive sustainable growth in the coming years.”
Significant Army Contract Wins
Vecchiolla’s appointment as CEO comes on the heels of recent U.S. Army contract wins at QinetiQ US.
In early January, the company received a five-year, $31.5 million task order from the Army’s Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors to advance the Integrated Sensor Architecture program to facilitate sensor data sharing across battlefield networks.
The military branch also awarded QinetiQ US an other transaction agreement to develop Unified Network Operation prototypes, which will demonstrate a network that connects enterprise and tactical echelons across warfighting functions.
In the last quarter of 2024, the company secured a potential $95 million contract to produce and deliver aerial target systems in support of the military branch’s training and testing activities. It also booked a task order to provide the service with intelligent sensor processing and optics advanced technologies.
General Atomics’ electromagnetic systems business tapped QinetiQ US to provide control hardware and software for the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System and the Advanced Arresting Gear of an upcoming U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.
Expansion Efforts
A month before the defense industry veteran took on the CEO role, QinetiQ US announced its expansion into Huntsville, Alabama, as part of its growth strategy, bolstering its commitment to bringing mission-led innovation to customers in the defense and aerospace sectors.
Through the expansion, the company intends to tap into Huntsville’s talent pool to back its portfolio of national security and defense programs.
At the time, Chief Growth Officer Joe Boeckx noted that the strategic expansion positions QinetiQ US closer to key military customers and improves its ability to speed up innovation delivery.
Tom Vecchiolla’s Career Background
Vecchiolla started his career serving as a U.S. Navy pilot and defense acquisition professional for over two decades.
The U.S. Naval Academy graduate spent 15 years at RTX, formerly Raytheon Technologies, culminating in the role of president at Raytheon International with oversight of the company’s global operations.
The former legislative staffer previously served as chairman and CEO of First Light Acquisition Group and president and chief executive of ST Engineering North America, where he was responsible for all U.S. operations of an industrial and technology portfolio.
Executive Mosaic congratulates Tom Vecchiolla and the entire QinetiQ US team for this achievement. Vote for him at Wash100.com!