- Danny Deep has served as General Dynamics president since 2025
- Phebe Novakovic will become executive chairman after 13 years as CEO
- Deep previously served as president of General Dynamics Land Systems
General Dynamics‘ board of directors has selected President Danny Deep to succeed nine-time Wash100 Award winner Phebe Novakovic as CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2027. Novakovic, who has led the company since 2013, will become executive chairman, the aerospace and defense company said Wednesday.
“Phebe has been an extraordinary leader for General Dynamics, and I am grateful for the close partnership we’ve shared and the opportunity to continue working together in the future,” said Deep.
Who Is Danny Deep?
Deep has spent 25 years at General Dynamics, holding leadership positions in several of the company’s business areas. Before becoming president, he served as executive vice president of global operations and executive vice president of combat systems. He also held the roles of president and chief operating officer at General Dynamics Land Systems.
The company promoted Deep to president in December 2025, in the same announcement that named Dana Maisano controller and chief accounting officer. Nick Barnaby, whose appointment as senior vice president and general counsel was announced in July 2026, will also assume his role on the same day Deep becomes CEO.
The board of directors elected Deep as a member in August.
What Did General Dynamics Leadership Say About Deep’s Appointment?
Novakovic expressed confidence in Deep’s ability to lead General Dynamics as CEO and said she looked forward to continuing to work with him.
“Danny is a highly skilled executive with rich operating experience. It has been a pleasure working closely with him and I am certain he will be an outstanding CEO,” said Novakovic.
Laura Schumacher, independent lead director, expressed confidence in Deep’s leadership and welcomed Novakovic’s continued role with the company. She said the board expects the leadership transition to preserve the direction and legacy established under Novakovic.
The transition comes as General Dynamics continues to report strong financial results. In the second quarter, the company posted $14.1 billion in revenue and ended the period with a $136.5 billion backlog.
