Northrop Grumman has named Christopher Grady, former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and a previous Wash100 awardee, to its board of directors.
The company said Friday Grady brings more than four decades of military leadership experience to the board as Northrop continues to focus on delivering technology capabilities to the U.S. and allied countries.
Who Is Christopher Grady?
Grady served as the 12th vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2021 to 2025. He retired as a four-star admiral after more than 40 years of active-duty service in the U.S. Navy.
The career surface warfare officer previously served as commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command; commander of U.S. Sixth Fleet; head of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO; and commander of Carrier Strike Group 1.
The University of Notre Dame graduate holds master’s degrees from Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and the National War College.
What Are Northrop CEO Kathy Warden’s Thoughts on Grady’s Appointment?
Kathy Warden, chair, CEO and president of Northrop Grumman, said Grady’s military background and leadership experience will strengthen the company’s board and management team.
“With his storied military service and leadership, Admiral Grady will provide valuable insights to our board and management team, as our company continues to focus on delivering differentiating technology to the United States and its allies, at speed and scale,” said Warden, a 2026 Wash100 Award recipient.
In a December video interview with CNBC, Warden highlighted Northrop’s commitment to acquisition reform and the rapid delivery of military capabilities. She pointed to Project Talon, an autonomous systems initiative, as an example of how the company aims to accelerate the deployment of advanced technologies. During the interview, she also shared her perspective on the Golden Dome missile defense initiative.
