General Dynamics CEO Phebe Novakovic to step down in 2027

WASHINGTON — General Dynamics President Danny Deep will become the company’s chief executive next year, as longtime CEO Phebe Novakovic steps down, the company announced today.

Novakovic, who has held the top spot at GD since 2013, will transition to the role of executive chairman on Jan. 1, 2027, when Deep becomes CEO.

“Danny is a highly skilled executive with rich operating experience. It has been a pleasure working closely with him and I am certain he will be an outstanding CEO,” Novakovic said in the company announcement. “I very much look forward to our continuing collaboration.”

Deep has worked for GD for 25 years, becoming its president in 2025 — a move seen by industry watchers as a signal that he was next in line for the CEO job. His experience spans several business units, having previously held positions such as the executive vice president of global operations, executive vice president of combat systems, and president of land systems.

“Phebe has been an extraordinary leader for General Dynamics, and I am grateful for the close partnership we’ve shared and the opportunity to continue working together in the future,” said Deep. “I am profoundly honored to be selected as the next CEO of General Dynamics and humbled and deeply thankful for the board’s confidence.”

General Dynamics develops and manufactures technologies ranging from ground vehicles to cyber tools to nuclear submarines. The company generated $52.6 billion in revenue in 2025.

Novakovic’s announced departure comes five days after the surprise exit of Amy Gilliland, who was head of GD subsidiary General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) since 2017.