Sotera Defense Solutions, a mid-tier national security company, announced that Dr. John Hillen is leaving his position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will take on a new role as Vice Chairman of Sotera’s Advisory Board. He will serve as President of the business until June 18th. Dr. Hillen will continue to be involved with the organization’s strategic management and vision.
Dr. Hillen will also continue to represent the business in key industry organizations. He currently serves as Chairman of the Professional Services Council (PSC).
The company’s Board of Directors has yet to name a new CEO, but has started the search for new leadership.
“Whatever changes are taking place at Sotera I’m really delighted that John will remain on our Board and as our chairman. He has that great combination of industry and policy expertise and has been a most effective leader. We’ve really benefited from that leadership and are fortunate we will continue to do so,” said Stan Soloway, President and CEO of PSC.
In the meantime, William Cave and Laurie Villano will serve as Interim Co-CEOs, as well as continue to oversea the Defense & Intelligence Solutions and Cyber Systems & Solutions lines of business, respectively.
“John’s vision and market understanding are well known in the industry. He is a patriot and a man of many strong talents—John is one who’s contributions to and achievements in the geopolitical and national security arena we will continue to hear and read about for several more decades,” said Bob Kipps, Managing Director of KippsDeSanto & Co.
Dr. Hillen was brought on as CEO of Sotera in 2008, and in 2009 oversaw the company’s initial public offering as Global Defense Technology & Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: GTEC) as well as the organization’s subsequent purchase by an affiliate of Ares Management in April 2011. As CEO, Dr. Hillen facilitated four acquisitions from 2010 to 2011, and doubled the organization’s number of employees.
“John’s leadership over the last five years has been vital in building Sotera into a mission-focused, national security technology company capable of meeting our customers’ most challenging operational needs,” said Matt Cwiertnia, Chairman of the Board, Sotera Defense Solutions. “We are grateful for the experience, wisdom, and vast knowledge of the market he has brought to Sotera as our CEO, and I am pleased that the company will continue to benefit from his insight through his role on our Advisory Board,” Cwiertnia went on to say.
WashingtonExec last reported that Dr. Hillen joined Twitter earlier this year with the handle @SoteraPresident.
Sotera won “Contractor of the Year” in the greater than $300 million division at the 10th Annual Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards under Dr. Hillen’s leadership.
You can read Dr. Hillen’s thoughts on sequestration here.
