Paul Chase Appointed Permanent CEO of Leidos Australia
Leidos Australia announced on June 18, 2020, that Paul Chase has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer, effective June 15, 2020. Chase, who previously served as Director of IT Projects and Intelligence, had been acting in the CEO role on an interim basis following Christine Zeitz's departure in March 2020 after four years in the position.
Chase's Background and Experience
Chase brings extensive experience to the role, having worked with Leidos Australia for 22 years. Throughout his tenure, he has led multiple new business pursuits and held several management positions, earning positive regard from Australian stakeholders and customers. His educational credentials include a Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering, a Master's degree in Software Engineering, and a Master's degree in Law, positioning him well for the strategic demands of the CEO role.
Leadership Vision
In his statement regarding the appointment, Chase expressed his honour at being named chief executive and outlined his commitment to growing the Australian business alongside the leadership team. He emphasized a customer-focused approach, stating that his priority is helping customers deliver their missions effectively.
About Leidos Australia
Leidos Australia, based in Canberra, is a major IT and intelligence technology services contractor to the Australian government. The company operates across three primary business lines: IT services, IT projects, and intelligence and defence mission systems. With a workforce exceeding 1,200 employees, Leidos Australia serves as a trusted partner to government agencies and increasingly to private sector organizations seeking to enhance their IT infrastructure.
Recent Business Achievements
The company has demonstrated strong momentum in recent years. In March 2020, Leidos Australia secured a major contract to deploy a data platform for the Bureau of Meteorology. Earlier, in November 2019, the company received AU million in funding from the Australian Taxation Office for end-user computer solutions. These wins reflect the company's capability in delivering mission-critical technology solutions.
Global Context
Leidos Australia operates as part of a larger global organization. The parent company, headquartered in Virginia, is a Fortune 500 enterprise with approximately 37,000 employees worldwide and annual revenue of approximately .09 billion as of Fiscal Year January 2020. Leidos maintains significant operations in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, positioning itself as a leader in IT and engineering services globally.
Talent Development Strategy
The company's decision to promote Chase from within reflects its strategic commitment to developing and growing internal talent into key leadership roles. This approach supports organizational continuity while recognizing the value of employees who understand the company's culture, operations, and customer relationships deeply.