General Dynamics names new leader for IT businesses

General Dynamics' board of directors has elected Chris Marzilli, president of its mission systems segment, to the executive vice president ranks in a move that takes effect Jan. 1.

Marzilli will serve as executive VP for the defense contractor's IT services and mission systems segments. GD said Tuesday that Dan Johnson, who currently holds that role, will retire from the company on Dec. 31.

Christopher Brady, current vice president of engineering for mission systems, will succeed Marzilli as president of the segment that builds communications, sensors and "ISR" hardware for defense and space customers.

More recently, Johnson helped lead GD's blockbuster acquisition of CSRA that closed in April to double the size of the defense contractor's IT services segment almost overnight. GD elevated to the top spot in this year's edition of the Washington Technology Top 100 rankings.

Johnson has held the current EVP role for three years and also led IT services as president for nine years until he was succeeded in the latter role by Amy Gilliland in September 2017. Johnson joined GD in 2005 upon its acquisition of Anteon.

Marzilli has led mission systems since its formation in 2015 through a consolidation of GD's former C4 systems and advanced information systems segment. Prior to that, he was president of C4 systems for eight years. He joined GD in 1999 through its acquisition of GTE Government Systems, where he worked for the 18 previous years.

Brady currently oversees all engineering execution and technology roadmap functions for GD's mission systems segment. He joined GD in 2001 when it acquired a division of Motorola.