John Heller

CEO, Amentum

John Heller said he’s immensely proud to have led Amentum through its first successful year as an integrated public company. In a short period, the company established itself as an advanced engineering and technology leader across critical global markets, including nuclear energy, space exploration, missile defense and critical digital infrastructure. Throughout the year, the team remained agile and focused.

Amentum also navigated shifting customer priorities and complex geopolitics that had immediate effects on missions worldwide. During a year of significant change, the company operationalized AI and digital solutions internally and across customer programs, driving momentum, innovation, resilience and efficiency.

Amentum played a proactive role in driving efficiencies by leveraging AI and machine learning and advancing enterprisewide digitalization. This includes building digital data environments, digital twins and ground-to-space architectures that form the foundation for the administration’s Golden Dome.

The company is also applying proprietary AI and technology tools to optimize solutions supporting national priorities such as nuclear energy, space exploration and autonomous and unmanned systems. Aligning with the administration’s goals to streamline operations and improve efficiency reflects Amentum’s broader mission to deliver advanced solutions that protect national interests and public safety.

“2025 was a transformative year for Amentum. Under John’s leadership, and with support from all levels of the organization, Amentum established itself as the pacesetter in driving innovation and advancements on global matters that will define the future of our world, including nuclear energy, space exploration, missile defense and digital infrastructure,” said Steve Demetriou, executive chair of the board at Amentum.

Why Watch

In 2026, Heller’s team will focus on driving innovation, delivering value to customers and reinforcing Amentum’s leadership across mission-critical areas including national security, energy, space and digital infrastructure. To meet evolving customer needs, the company will continue delivering solutions at scale, including through advanced capabilities such as ThreadSafe AI to improve nuclear design and operational safety. Workforce investment remains central, with continued emphasis on internships, military transition programs and employee networks that foster connection, innovation and collaboration.

“As we look ahead, the opportunities for Amentum have never been more exciting,” Heller said. “The pace of technological advancement and growing complexity of global challenges create unparalleled opportunities to innovate and lead. We envision a future where Amentum continues to shape what’s possible, from modernizing national infrastructure and advancing energy and environmental solutions, to leading in autonomous and AI technologies and strengthening global security. Ultimately, our strength lies in our people and our ability to deliver advanced engineering and technology solutions that matter. Together, I’m confident we will continue to set the standard for operational excellence while driving transformative results for the U.S. and our global allies.”

Fun fact: Heller’s household is full of hockey fans. For Christmas, he traveled with his son to Toronto to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins, a trip that was as much a treat for Heller as it was for his family.