Government Contractors | Technology 2025: LYNN III, WILLIAM J. ‘BILL’

Following the completion of an all-stock merger in 2022 with Israel-based radar company Rada Electronic Industries, defense contractor Leonardo DRS went public, with Lynn ringing the closing bell at the Nasdaq. Leonardo DRS’ parent company, Italian defense contractor Leonardo SpA, retains 80.5% ownership of the company.

Lynn has led Leonard DRS since 2012. He served as deputy secretary of defense during President Barack Obama’s first term, as comptroller of the Department of Defense from 1997 to 2001, and as counsel for U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy on the Senate Armed Services Committee from 1987 to 1993. He also worked as senior vice president of government operations and strategy for Raytheon.

In 2024, Leonardo DRS reported $3.2 billion in revenue, up from $2.8 billion in 2023. In October 2024, the company received a U.S. Navy contract valued up to $235 million to manufacture, inspect and test AN/SPS-9B radars.

Lynn has a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth, a master’s degree from Princeton and a law degree from Cornell Law School. He serves on the boards of Accenture Federal Services, the USO Foundation, the Atlantic Council, the Center for a New American Security, and National Cathedral School.