Corporate venture and tech leadership moves across the market
Gettyimages.com / jayk7
By
Ross Wilkers
One startup in this compilation is less than two years old and a second company came together when its private equity owner combined three businesses.
Ardent
This provider of digital transformation, location intelligence and data analytics services has created a new executive role that it describes as a "change agent" position.
In the role of first chief ventures officer, Ryan Jennings will be responsible for leading its pursuit of new business ventures and technological innovations. He also will oversee the company's merger-and-acquisition program and partnerships with others across industry.
Jennings was promoted to the position and is in his second stint at Ardent, where he has worked for approximately five years total.
Ardent is part of the Mission1st Group and was acquired into it during the summer.
DEFCON AI
This startup was first incorporated in the summer of 2022 with the goal to create and scale new modeling, simulation and analysis tools for modern military environments.
One of DEFCON AI's first major C-level hires is now on board in Scott Stapp, a nine-year Northrop Grumman veteran who joins in the dual roles of chief technology officer and chief revenue officer.
Stapp most recently was CTO at Northrop and also led its strategy for the military's Joint All-Domain Command & Control connectivity vision.
DEFCON AI is backed by Red Cell Partners, the technology incubator behind several other startups including Epirus.
Tria Federal
Private equity firm Sagewind Capital created this midsized IT and advisory services provider in early 2022 by bringing together Federal Advisory Partners, Favor TechConsulting and Universal Consulting Services.
Tria Federal has now hired nearly two-decade veteran John Cho as chief technology officer to help lead its pursuit of more digital transformation work across government.
Cho most recently worked at autonomous driving technology company RRAI as chief information officer and vice president of digital platforms, services and technology. His career also includes sector CTO roles at Peraton and Perspecta.
Tria Federal also hired a new vice president of marketing and communications in Brian Wagner, who previously worked in similar roles at Maxar Intelligence and Peraton.