Phebe Novakovic is executive chairman designate of General Dynamics, moving to the role at the start of 2027 after serving as the company's chief executive officer since 2013. Her tenure is one of the longest of any chief executive in the American defence industry, and she remains closely identified with the group's submarine and business-jet franchises.
Novakovic was named chief executive of General Dynamics in 2013 and has led the company through more than a decade of changing defence budgets and a sustained expansion in United States Navy shipbuilding. On 7 October 2026 the board announced that she would become executive chairman, with company president Danny Deep elected to succeed her as chief executive.
Career History
- Executive Chairman designate, General Dynamics (from 2027)
- Chief Executive Officer, General Dynamics (2013 to 2026)
What Phebe Novakovic brings to the executive chairman role at General Dynamics: continuity of the customer and investor relationships built over a 14-year chief executive tenure, at a moment when the company is changing operator but not strategy. The board's decision to retain her in an executive capacity rather than a non-executive one indicates it values that continuity through the handover period.
Facts compiled by Executive Moves from publicly available news and press releases on 9 October 2026. Spotted an inaccuracy? Email us and we'll review within 1 business day.
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