Science Applications International Corp. [SAIC] on Wednesday said that Nazzic Keene, the company’s CEO-elect, will be assuming day-to-day responsibility for the company as outgoing CEO Tony Moraco takes on an advisory role for the transition to the executive changes.
The company also said that it is eliminating the position of chief operating officer (COO), which is held by Keene.
“We made the strategic decision to have the customer groups report directly to the CEO to enable stronger alignment and be a more agile partner to our customers who face dynamic challenges and opportunities,” Keene said in a statement. “With the elimination of the COO role, we also have the opportunity to realign corporate functional roles to improve collaboration and operational effectiveness.”
SAIC also said that it has hired Michael LaRouche, formerly with
Raytheon [RTN], to lead its National Security Group, adding he will report to Keene effective immediately. Most recently at Raytheon, LaRouche was vice president of a $900 million cyber security business that supported commercial, intelligence and defense customers.
“Michael is a highly accomplished leader with the technical acumen and customer knowledge to grow and enhance our national security business,” Keene said.
Mark Escobar, a 20-year veteran of SAIC who previously led the National Security Group, is now chief of a new Business Operations group, which oversees business development, corporate communications, corporate information technology, procurement, government affairs, program operations, security and facilities.
Moraco remains as SAIC’s official CEO until July 31.