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Leaders in Defence: Phebe Novakovic - CEO of General Dynamics

Updated: Sep 15, 2023


Phebe Novakovic is a name that has become synonymous with success and leadership in the defence industry. As the CEO of General Dynamics, one of the largest and most respected defence contractors in the world, Novakovic has made her mark on the industry through her unwavering dedication to excellence, her visionary leadership, and her deep understanding of the complex challenges faced by governments and militaries around the globe.





Novakovic's rise to the top of General Dynamics is a story of determination, hard work, and a steadfast commitment to her craft. With a background in finance and a deep understanding of the defence industry, she joined the company in 2001 and quickly rose through the ranks, taking on increasingly challenging roles and demonstrating her exceptional skills as a leader and strategist.


Today, as the CEO of General Dynamics, Novakovic is known for her bold vision, her strategic thinking, and her ability to navigate the complex landscape of government contracts and regulatory requirements. She is a champion of innovation, constantly pushing her team to develop new and better technologies that will help keep soldiers and civilians safe in an ever-changing world.


Through her leadership, Novakovic has established General Dynamics as a true industry leader, driving the company to new heights of success and cementing her place as one of the most influential women in the world of business today.

Phebe Novakovic's career at General Dynamics began in 2001 when she joined the company as an executive vice president in charge of strategic planning and development. Her background in finance and her deep understanding of the defence industry made her a natural fit for the role, and she quickly demonstrated her exceptional skills as a leader and strategist.


Over the years, Novakovic took on increasingly challenging roles at General Dynamics, including serving as the executive vice president of the Marine Systems group, where she oversaw the development and production of some of the most advanced naval technology in the world. She also served as the executive vice president of the Information Systems and Technology group, where she led the development of cutting-edge cybersecurity and information technology solutions for government and commercial customers.






In 2013, Novakovic was appointed as the CEO of General Dynamics, making her the first woman to lead one of the largest defence contractors in the world. As CEO, she has continued to drive the company forward, implementing a bold vision for growth and innovation that has helped to establish General Dynamics as a true leader in the industry.


Under Novakovic's leadership, General Dynamics has made significant strides in developing and deploying advanced technologies that have helped to keep soldiers and civilians safe in some of the most challenging environments in the world. The company's portfolio includes everything from advanced weapons systems and cyber security solutions to cutting-edge communications technology and unmanned aerial vehicles.





Throughout her career, Novakovic has been recognised for her exceptional leadership and business acumen. She has been named to Forbes' list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women multiple times, and in 2020, she was honoured by the National Defense Industrial Association with the prestigious James Forrestal Industry Leadership Award for her contributions to the defence industry.


In addition to her work at General Dynamics, Novakovic is also a member of the board of directors for Abbott Laboratories and the Naval Academy Foundation. She is a graduate of Smith College and holds an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

In all, Phoebe Novakovic's career is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a deep commitment to excellence. Her visionary leadership has helped to shape the future of the defence industry, and her contributions will undoubtedly continue to be felt for years to come.



In conclusion, Phebe Novakovic's rise to the top of General Dynamics is a story of perseverance, leadership, and innovation. Her dedication to excellence and her deep understanding of the complex challenges facing the defence industry have made her one of the most respected and influential leaders in the business world today.


Novakovic's contributions to General Dynamics and the defence industry as a whole have been significant and far-reaching. Under her leadership, the company has developed some of the most advanced technologies in the world, helping to keep soldiers and civilians safe in even the most challenging environments.




But perhaps even more impressive than her professional accomplishments is Novakovic's unwavering commitment to integrity and ethics. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to doing what is right, even in the face of difficult decisions and challenging circumstances.

In all, Phebe Novakovic is a true inspiration, a leader who has demonstrated time and again that with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, anything is possible. Her contributions to General Dynamics and the defence industry as a whole have helped to shape the world we live in today, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of leaders for years to come.

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