QinetiQ NA taps Crouch to lead technology solutions unit

J.D. Crouch II has been named president of QinetiQ North America’s Technology Solutions Group, a provider of research services and defense and security-related products to the Defense Department and civilian agencies.

Crouch succeeds William Ribich, who will retire and assume an advisory role with the company effective Nov. 14, according to a company announcement today.

Crouch has been executive vice president for strategic development since May 11, leading the overall strategic development and direction for the company. He also chairs the QinetiQ North America Advisory Board.

Before joining QinetiQ North America, Crouch held senior-level federal positions with DOD and the executive branch, as well as having served as U.S. ambassador to Romania. He remains a member of several government advisory groups, including the Defense Policy Board.

Ribich was chief executive officer at Foster Miller when QinetiQ North America acquired the company in 2004.

As president of QinetiQ North America’s Technology Solutions Group, Ribich oversaw the business expansion to more than 800 employees, becoming a major supplier of robots, protection and survivability products, and technical support to the armed forces.

QinetiQ North America, of McLean, Va., ranks No. 34 on Washington Technology’s 2009 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.