General Dynamics elects Danny Deep as CEO effective Jan. 1, 2027; Novakovic to become executive chairman

General Dynamics said Wednesday that its board has elected company President Danny Deep to become chief executive officer effective Jan. 1, 2027, with longtime CEO Phebe N. Novakovic set to move into the role of executive chairman, according to a company press release dated Oct. 7.

The leadership change marks a planned succession at one of the largest U.S. defense and aerospace contractors. General Dynamics said it employs more than 120,000 people worldwide and generated $52.6 billion in revenue in 2025. The company’s businesses span Gulfstream business jets, marine systems, combat and land systems, and technology and services operations.

According to the press release, Novakovic has served as chairman and chief executive officer since Jan. 1, 2013. Deep, who currently serves as president, has been with the company for 25 years and is set to succeed her as CEO at the start of 2027.

General Dynamics said Deep’s elevation follows a series of senior operating roles across the company. Before becoming president in 2025, he served as executive vice president of Global Operations, executive vice president of Combat Systems, and president of Land Systems, according to the company. General Dynamics also said it elected Deep to its board in August 2026, underscoring that the transition is an internal succession rather than an external leadership search.

In the Oct. 7 press release, Novakovic said, “Danny is a highly skilled executive with rich operating experience. It has been a pleasure working closely with him and I am certain he will be an outstanding CEO. I very much look forward to our continuing collaboration.”

Deep said in the release, “I am profoundly honored to be selected as the next CEO of General Dynamics and humbled and deeply thankful for the board’s confidence.”

General Dynamics is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. Based on the company’s announcement, the move represents a continuity-focused handoff, with a longtime internal executive taking over the chief executive role while Novakovic remains in a senior leadership position as executive chairman.