FLIR Systems hires new government, defense lead

Sensor technology maker FLIR Systems has hired former Raytheon executive David Ray as president of the government and defense business unit.

Ray will work out of FLIR’s office in Arlington, Va. and the appointment is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 8, 2018, the company said Thursday.

Wilsonville, Ore.-based FLIR derived one-fourth of its $1.6 billion in revenue last year directly or indirectly from sales to federal agencies. That share of federal sales climbed from 21 percent in 2015 and 20 percent in 2014, according to regulatory filings.

Prior to FLIR, Ray worked at Raytheon for 15 years and more recently was vice president of global business development and strategy in the defense contractor’s $6.2 billion intelligence, information and services segment for two years.

In that role he oversaw global new business, sales operations, marketing, government relations and merger-and-acquisition strategy.

His career at Raytheon also included other leadership roles in business development, general management and government relations. Ray started his private sector career at Booz Allen Hamilton after five years of service in the Air Force.