Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has named John P. Jumper, a retired four-star General and the former Chief of Staff of the Air Force, as its next chief executive starting March 1, 2012.
Jumper succeeds Walter P. Havenstein, who led SAIC for about two years. A member of SAIC’s board since 2007, Jumper retired from the Air Force in 2005 after a nearly 40-year career. His assignments included posts as the Commander of Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base, Deputy Chief of Staff for Air and Space Operations at the Pentagon, Senior Military Assistant to two Secretaries of Defense, and as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff for Roles and Missions.
“He knows our business and the industry extremely well and we are confident he will continue our 43-year tradition of success, outstanding customer satisfaction and superior performance,” stated A. Thomas Young, chairman of the board at SAIC. Young added that departing Havenstein “has taken SAIC to new levels during his tenure. Thanks to his leadership, today we’re an $11 billion company, with strong positions in our markets and I am optimistic about our future. The board and I are very grateful to Walt for his acumen, vision and stellar management.”
Like many other contractors facing declining government spending, SAIC has recently seen reduced sales and profit. SAIC in December reported a third-quarter loss after the company set aside a large provision to guard against claims that its automated payroll system helped defraud New York City’s government. Core results still topped expectations as revenue from its intelligence and cybersecurity unit offset weaker performances in other business segments. SAIC employs over 45,000 employees and is headquartered in McLean, VA.
