Exciting Leadership Change at Leidos in Reston, Virginia
Reston, Virginia – A wave of enthusiasm has swept through the halls of Leidos, a renowned Fortune 500 innovation company, as they recently announced a significant addition to their leadership team. Effective October 7, 2024, Thomas J. Downey will step into the role of executive vice president, chief communications and marketing officer, bringing with him a robust background and a wealth of experience.
Joining the Leidos Family
Downey’s impressive career spans over 31 years, with a majority of that time dedicated to Boeing and its predecessor, McDonnell Douglas. For more than a decade, he was the top communications officer at Boeing, playing a vital role in shaping the company’s narrative and outreach strategies. Tom Bell, CEO of Leidos, shared his excitement about Downey’s arrival, stating, “It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Tom Downey to the Leidos team. With a track record of professional excellence in the industry, Tom brings a wealth of expertise to guide our journey to build a world-class brand.”
A Vision for the Future
In his new role, Downey will lead the company’s internal and external communications and marketing efforts. He is expected to enhance Leidos’s ability to connect with customers, employees, and partners alike. Furthermore, he will also focus on integrating the government affairs team, ensuring that Leidos approaches all constituencies with a cohesive voice.
“I’m honored to be joining Leidos at such a pivotal and exciting time for the company,” Downey expressed. He acknowledged the strong potential within the team and highlighted the company’s mission: to drive growth through innovative solutions for its customers.
Experience and Background
What sets Downey apart is not just his corporate experience but also his diverse background. He is a proud graduate of Saint Louis University and has served as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Beyond his military service, he has enriched his expertise through his tenure on Capitol Hill as a Brookings Institution Congressional Fellow. This eclectic mix of experience positions him uniquely to address the intricate challenges of communication and marketing in today’s climate.
Additionally, Downey is known for his commitment to community engagement and supports various charitable organizations, reflecting his values of service and community involvement.
About Leidos
For those who may not know, Leidos is a driving force in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, particularly in national security and health. With a global workforce of 48,000, they are dedicated to innovating smarter technology solutions for clients in heavily regulated industries. Just last year, in 2023, Leidos reported a staggering $15.4 billion in annual revenues, solidifying its place as a leader in the industry.
What Lies Ahead
The leadership transition comes at an important time for Leidos as they continue to evolve. With Downey at the helm of communications and marketing, the company is expected to forge stronger connections with its stakeholders and perhaps reshape its public image as it navigates the complexities of the modern market.
As the future unfolds, there’s no doubt that Downey’s expertise and vision will play a pivotal role in enhancing the Leidos brand. The anticipation around this leadership change reflects the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.



