John “J.R.” Riordan
Senior Vice President of Business Development, Space and Geospatial Solutions, Parsons Corp.
Leveraging his experience on the bipartisan team leading the congressional establishment of the Space Force on the Senate Armed Services Committee, John “J.R.” Riordan guides Parsons as a proven military and business strategist, policy expert and corporate executive whose knowledge of defense and political environments advances Parsons’ growth in the federal market.
Riordan played a key role in identifying a strategic acquisition opportunity with the Braxton Science and Technology Group enterprise in 2020, recognizing the in-demand capabilities BSTG would add to Parsons’ space portfolio. BSTG operates at the forefront of satellite operations, ground system automation, flight dynamics, and spacecraft and antenna simulation for the Defense Department and the intelligence community, company leaders said.
These capabilities will position Parsons to capitalize on the quickly evolving space missions of its national security space customers and address rapid market growth driven by proliferated low-earth orbit constellations, small satellite expansion, and space cyber resiliency. The approximately $300 million transaction was finalized in November 2020.
Why Watch
Looking ahead to 2021, Riordan is spearheading business development for Parsons’ space and geospatial business unit and is incorporating BSTG expertise, capabilities, products and decades of trusted customer relationships into future contract acquisition pursuits.
Riordan has identified key growth areas and is pursuing new opportunities in many mission spaces that were previously unattainable. The collaboration allows Parsons to offer end-to-end solutions in the competitive space domain, enhancing technology offerings and the transactional revenue growth and margin profile.