- Karman Space & Defense has created a new executive role to unify its IT operations and AI strategy
- Stefan Knighton was tapped as the company’s first chief information and artificial intelligence officer
- His responsibilities span AI governance, technology strategy, business systems and enterprise IT management
Karman Space & Defense has appointed Stefan Knighton as its inaugural chief information and artificial intelligence officer, a newly created executive role intended to align the company’s IT operations and AI strategy.
What Will Stefan Knighton Do as CIAIO?
The company said Tuesday the new CIAIO position expands on traditional chief information officer duties by integrating full ownership of Karman’s AI strategy and governance. Knighton, who officially assumed the role on Monday, is responsible for driving IT and AI strategy, overseeing IT operations, managing tool and model selection and leading the business systems organization. His focus includes leading the enterprise-wide rollout of the Karman Operating System to ensure speed, efficiency and cybersecurity compliance in all corporate facilities.
Karman Space & Defense CEO Jon Rambeau said the CIAIO position reflects Karman’s belief that technology infrastructure and AI strategy must be developed in tandem to drive competitive advantage.
What Experience Does Knighton Bring to the Role?
Knighton brings extensive experience in enterprise technology modernization, digital transformation and systems integration. Throughout his career, he has led efforts to streamline legacy technology environments, integrate complex business systems, support post-acquisition initiatives and establish centers of excellence that drive operational performance and scalable growth.
Before joining Karman, Knighton led enterprise transformation initiatives at Kyndryl. He previously spent nearly two decades at Lockheed Martin, where he served as vice president, chief information officer and digital transformation executive for the missiles and fire control business. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions at Fujifilm, overseeing commercial technology, manufacturing and supply chain operations.
Knighton’s appointment is the latest in a series of leadership moves at Karman. In March, the company named Rambeau, a former L3Harris Technologies executive, as CEO to lead its next phase of growth, followed in April by the appointment of former Lockheed Martin executive Doug Laurendeau as chief growth officer. Earlier in the year, Karman expanded its maritime defense portfolio through the acquisition of Seemann Composites and MSC, broadening its capabilities across multiple defense domains.
