John Heller

CEO, Amentum

2023 was a banner year for Amentum and its team. The company integrated the most recent of three major acquisitions, restructured its market-aligned business groups and executed its strategy to become the mission modernization partner for defense, civilian, intelligence and commercial customers.

Amentum focused on scaling its engineering solutions and global agility to contribute to making the world safer, smarter and cleaner. The company targeted emerging and new markets in line with evolving customer needs and trends. These markets include space and scientific solutions, clean energy, autonomous and counter-unmanned aerial systems solutions, cybersecurity and secure networking, and intelligence analysis.

In a newly awarded and expanded contract, Amentum drives agility and innovations for the USINDOPACOM’s critical C5ISR efforts. The company also won work engineering, integrating and testing advanced C5ISR protype technologies and systems for the U.S. Army, modernizing the U.S. Navy’s F-16 adversary fleet, developing and deploying advanced technology capabilities and prototypes to counter emerging multi-domain threats, and improving strategic missions through hypersonics research and development.

In addition to these wins, Heller said he’s proud of the role Amentum had in eliminating the last of the U.S. chemical weapons stockpile.

“It’s an honor to lead the amazing men and women of Amentum who serve our nation and our allies with selfless dedication and unequalled expertise,” he said. “I’m excited for the next chapter in Amentum’s story as we bring together the strengths of two leading solutions providers to bring modernization advantage to all our customers’ missions around the world.”

Why Watch

In November 2023, Amentum announced plans to merge with Jacobs’ Critical Mission Solutions and Cyber and Intelligence businesses. This merger aims to form a new leading company in systems integration and engineering solutions, serving the U.S. government, its allies and commercial entities.

The new, publicly traded entity will generate $13 billion in revenue and employ over 53,000 people across 83 countries. The deal is expected to be finalized in the second half of fiscal year 2024.

Amentum’s main goal for 2024 is to smoothly complete the merger and prepare for becoming a publicly traded company. Heller said tthe team is enthusiastic about the prospects this merger will offer, including more career opportunities for employees and an expanded range of services for customers.

Fun fact: Heller enjoys mountain biking, especially the trails in the Arizona desert. “On my rides in the desert, I have come across a Gila monster, a jackrabbit, and a six-foot long snake with the most beautiful bright pink underbelly!” he said.