Auckland, NZ – Lockheed Martin, a global leader in aerospace, defense, security, and technology, has announced a significant leadership appointment. Craig Martell has been named the company's new Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), a role he will assume from June 23rd. This strategic move underscores Lockheed Martin's commitment to innovation and maintaining its technological edge in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Martell brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of driving technological advancements to the role. He will directly report to John Clark, Executive Vice President of Enterprise Operations, ensuring seamless integration of technology strategy across the entire organisation. His appointment signals a strong focus on future-proofing Lockheed Martin's capabilities and exploring emerging technologies.

Why This Matters for New Zealand?

Lockheed Martin's influence extends beyond the US, and New Zealand benefits from these technological advancements. The company's work in areas like satellite technology, cybersecurity, and advanced materials has implications for New Zealand's defense, communications, and scientific research capabilities. Martell's leadership will likely shape how these technologies are developed and deployed globally, potentially creating new opportunities for collaboration and innovation within New Zealand.

Martell's Background & Expertise

Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, Martell held a pivotal role at NVIDIA, where he served as Vice President of Research. During his tenure, he spearheaded groundbreaking research in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and high-performance computing. His experience in these cutting-edge fields makes him uniquely qualified to lead Lockheed Martin's technology initiatives.

“Craig’s deep technical expertise and proven ability to translate research into real-world solutions make him an ideal fit for Lockheed Martin,” stated John Clark. “We are confident that he will play a critical role in driving our innovation agenda and ensuring we remain at the forefront of technological advancements.”

Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Martell's Leadership

With Martell at the helm of technology, we can anticipate a renewed emphasis on:

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: Integrating AI and ML across Lockheed Martin's product lines to enhance performance, improve decision-making, and automate processes.
• Hypersonics and Advanced Materials: Continued investment in hypersonic technologies and the development of lightweight, high-strength materials for aerospace applications.
• Cybersecurity: Strengthening cybersecurity defenses and developing innovative solutions to protect against evolving cyber threats.
• Quantum Computing: Exploring the potential of quantum computing to solve complex problems and develop new capabilities.

The appointment of Craig Martell as CTO represents a significant investment in Lockheed Martin’s future, and a clear signal of their dedication to technological leadership. The impact of this leadership change will be felt globally, including potentially within New Zealand's own technological ecosystem.