SAIC picks GD exec to lead national security business

SAIC has named Lou Von Thaer president of its National Security Sector, which will be part of the spin-off Leidos.

Science Applications International Corp. has named Lou Von Thaer president of the company’s National Security Sector, effective June 6.

The National Security Sector, along with the company’s current health and engineering businesses, will be part of the spin-off company, Leidos, the company said in a release.

As president, Von Thaer will lead nearly 13,000 analysts, scientists, engineers and business professionals providing support for customers across the full spectrum of national security programs including cybersecurity, SAIC said.

Thaer has been the president of General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems since 2005, where he supported key national security programs.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Rutgers University.