As Peraton’s first chief innovation officer, Chris Valentino played a pivotal role in launching Peraton’s Strategic Innovation Group. The group taps into the collective strengths of its team, which is built on deep expertise. By leveraging both internal and customer-funded research, SIG is enhancing Peraton’s competitive edge and delivering market-differentiating solutions for its customers.

Valentino and his team drive innovation, advance R&D to meet customers’ mission needs and support Peraton’s growth, making them key to the company’s success, said Steve Schorer, chairman, president and CEO of Peraton.

“Chris leads a team that effectively operates across a diverse technology portfolio ranging from mobility and wireless systems to quantum and cyber,” he added. “Additionally, Chris’s expertise in strategic analysis, market insights and go-to-market execution have proven invaluable, not only in advancing our technical capabilities but also in positioning us as a leader in our industry and a national asset to our country.”

Why Watch

In 2025, Valentino and his team will focus on delivering high-value solutions and capabilities to meet the mission amid a rapidly evolving environment. Using his previous experience as chief strategy officer, Valentino encourages his organization to apply a strategy-first approach to success. By combining internal and customer-funded research, he and his team are driving market differentiation and creating competitive advantages for Peraton’s customers.

Accelerating innovation is the cornerstone of their strategy for 2025 and beyond, Valentino said. By leveraging advanced R&D, building strategic partnerships and tapping into experts with insights on emerging markets, they will stand out in the marketplace and remain leaders in industry evolution.

“This approach will empower us to deliver transformative solutions that anticipate our customers’ evolving needs and create enduring impact within national security,” he added.

Fun fact: An avid learner, Valentino took every class in the course catalog while in graduate school and was politely asked to leave by being automatically graduated.