- Griffin was executive vice president of security solutions before his appointment as CEO
- He joined Telos as a program manager in 1984 and was later named Telos ID president
- Wood stays on as board chairman after stepping down as CEO
Telos has appointed longtime executive Mark Griffin as its new chief executive officer, placing a veteran company leader at the helm of the cyber, cloud and enterprise security provider.
The Ashburn, Virginia-based company said Monday that its board of directors selected Griffin to succeed John Wood, who has assumed the role of executive chairman.
Wood said he and Griffin have worked together for 35 years, sharing several important periods in Telos’ development. He pointed to their longstanding emphasis on understanding customer requirements and maintaining close client relationships.
“I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I have full confidence in Mark’s ability to lead Telos into its next chapter,” said Wood.
What Will Mark Griffin Oversee as Telos CEO?
Griffin will guide Telos’ strategic priorities and manage daily operations across its cybersecurity and identity business portfolio.
Fred Schaufeld, a member of Telos’ board of directors, expressed confidence in Griffin’s ability to take the helm, citing his familiarity with the company’s customers, internal operations and programs.
Griffin said his experience with Telos has given him an appreciation for the relationships the company has established with clients and the dedication of employees to their respective missions. He said he intends to collaborate with both groups to continue the company’s growth and carry out its strategic priorities.
What Experience Does Mark Griffin Bring to the CEO Role?
Griffin’s background spans more than 30 years of executive leadership experience and over 20 years of experience in government IT contracting, systems integration and materials management. He has also managed major programs supporting the defense, federal civilian and commercial sectors.
Before becoming CEO, Griffin served as executive vice president of security solutions, responsible for directing the management and development of Telos’ intellectual property portfolio. He oversaw product development, technological innovation and market expansion for the business unit.
His earlier leadership assignments included heading Telos’ Identity Management Solutions subsidiary and serving as president and general manager of Telos ID, a position he assumed in 2007. In 2004, he was named vice president of the traditional business division. He joined Telos as a program manager in 1984.
What Will John Wood Do as Telos Executive Chairman?
Wood, who has led Telos as CEO since 1994, will remain involved in the company’s strategic direction as executive chairman, advising on its product roadmap and long-term sales strategy. In his new role, Wood will continue supporting Telos’ broader mission of providing security capabilities to organizations handling sensitive information.
During his tenure as CEO, Wood helped diversify the company’s offerings and expanded its customer base to include commercial businesses, military and intelligence organizations, and international allies.
The leadership transition shifts responsibility for Telos’ daily operations to Griffin while retaining Wood’s involvement in corporate oversight. Schaufeld credited Wood with steering the company through a business turnaround and its subsequent return to growth, adding that his continued guidance would help maintain consistency under the new CEO.
“We believe Telos can build on its progress under Mark’s leadership, with John’s counsel as Executive Chairman providing continuity through this transition,” Schaufeld added.
