Tom Arseneault Earns 2026 Wash100 Award for Advancing Defense Modernization, Scaling Microelectronics & Supporting Army Readiness
Executive Mosaic, the nation’s leading GovCon events and media organization, has awarded Tom Arseneault, president and CEO of BAE Systems Inc., the 2026 Wash100 Award for his leadership in advancing defense modernization priorities, expanding microelectronics capabilities and driving major Army and Navy programs.
“Tom’s track record of success in GovCon is exceptional, built on 25 years of leadership at BAE Systems, where he has led key sectors such as electronic systems and served as president and CEO for the past six years,” said Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic and founder of the Wash100 Award.
“Under his leadership, BAE Systems advanced modernization of its microelectronics center to expand semiconductor capacity and reduce costs. He also helped secure a $390 million Army contract modification to deliver upgraded Bradley A4 vehicles with enhanced mobility, lethality and protection.
Tom has positioned BAE as a critical provider of national security technologies and solutions. His 2026 Wash100 Award—his fourth—is well deserved.”
This marks Arseneault’ss fourth Wash100 recognition, underscoring his sustained influence across the government contracting landscape.
Cast your vote for Tom Arseneault and other leading executives in the 2026 Wash100 Popular Vote Competition before April 30.
Who Is Tom Arsenault?
Career Leadership at BAE Systems
Tom Arseneault leads BAE Systems Inc., the U.S.-based arm of the global defense, aerospace and security company, overseeing a workforce of more than 35,000 employees and operations spanning the U.S., U.K. and Sweden.
He has spent more than two decades with BAE Systems, holding senior roles including president and chief operating officer, president of the electronic systems sector and executive vice president of product sectors. In those roles, he helped guide strategy across mission-critical electronics, sensing systems and land combat platforms.
Earlier in his career, Arseneault held engineering and program management roles at General Electric and TASC, and later supported programs under Sanders, a Lockheed Martin company acquired by BAE Systems.
Technical and Executive Foundation
Arseneault holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from Boston University.
What Is BAE Systems?
BAE Systems Inc. is a major U.S. defense contractor delivering capabilities across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains, including advanced electronics, combat vehicles, ship repair, munitions and IT services.
The company’s recent contract activity reflects its central role in U.S. defense priorities. Earlier this year, BAE Systems secured a $473 million Army contract for M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, a $255.9 million Navy contract for USS Iwo Jima maintenance and modernization and a $1.7 billion Navy contract for APKWS precision-guided rocket kits.
The company has also supported space and environmental missions, including a $230.6 million NASA delivery order tied to NOAA spacecraft development.
Why Is Tom Arseneault Winning the 2026 Wash100 Award?
Advancing Microelectronics and Industrial Base Resilience
A major driver behind Arseneault’s recognition is his focus on strengthening the defense industrial base through microelectronics modernization.
BAE Systems has invested in upgrading its microelectronics center to expand domestic semiconductor production capacity and reduce costs, aligning with Department of Defense priorities around supply chain security and trusted electronics.
Leading High-Impact Defense Programs
Arseneault has overseen BAE Systems’ role in key modernization programs, including a $390 million Army contract modification for Bradley A4 infantry fighting vehicles, which deliver enhanced mobility, lethality and survivability to U.S. forces.
Additional 2025–2026 efforts include a $181 million Navy contract modification for amphibious combat vehicles and a $172.4 million AFRL task order supporting air, space and cyber mission needs.
Driving Innovation Through New Platforms
Under Arseneault’s leadership, BAE launched OneArc, a commercial defense technology business focused on delivering modular capabilities in AI, simulation and data analytics.
The company also opened a new engineering and product development center in Minnesota to support digital engineering, prototyping and workforce expansion.
Want to see Arseneault take the top spot? Vote in the Wash100 Popular Vote Competition before April 30 and support your favorite GovCon leaders.
What Impacts Does Arseneault’s Work Have on the GovCon Industry?
Strengthening National Security Technology Ecosystems
Arseneault’s leadership reinforces BAE Systems’ role in delivering critical national security technologies, including electronic warfare systems, missile warning capabilities and next-generation combat platforms.
His emphasis on microelectronics and advanced manufacturing supports broader U.S. efforts to secure supply chains and maintain technological superiority.
Influencing Industry Direction
Arseneault also contributes to broader industry alignment through his role on the Aerospace Industries Association executive committee, helping shape policy discussions and advocacy across the defense sector.
Scaling Defense Modernization
Through sustained contract wins, infrastructure investments and innovation initiatives, Arseneault is helping accelerate defense modernization timelines while supporting readiness across multiple domains.
A Four-Time Wash100 Winner
Arseneault’s fourth Wash100 win reflects both his recent execution and long-term leadership in GovCon.
As defense priorities shift toward integrated, technology-driven operations, his role in scaling capabilities, strengthening the industrial base and delivering mission-critical systems continues to shape the industry.
Don’t miss your chance to weigh in — vote for Tom Arseneault and your other favorite executives in the 2026 Wash100 Popular Vote Competition before April 30.