IonQ Taps National Security Veteran as CIO Amid Quantum Security Concerns
Event summary
- Katie Arrington, former Acting CIO of the Department of War, joins IonQ as Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective January 19, 2026.
- Leslie Kershaw is promoted to Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and will report to Arrington.
- Arrington previously held roles including Deputy CIO for Cybersecurity and CISO for Acquisition & Sustainment at the Department of War.
- IonQ achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity in 2025, a reported world record.
- IonQ operates in 11 countries and has over 1,300 employees.
The big picture
IonQ’s hiring of Katie Arrington signals a strategic pivot towards securing its quantum computing technology and expanding into government and defense markets. This move reflects the growing recognition of quantum computing’s strategic importance for national security and the increasing demand for secure quantum solutions. The appointment also highlights the ongoing talent drain from government agencies into the private sector, particularly in areas of cybersecurity and emerging technology.
What we're watching
- Security Integration
- The effectiveness of Arrington’s integration of national security protocols into IonQ’s commercial operations will be a key indicator of the company’s ability to secure its technology and data.
- Government Contracts
- Increased government contracts, particularly those related to defense and national security, are likely as IonQ leverages Arrington’s expertise and connections.
- Talent Retention
- Whether IonQ can retain and attract similar high-caliber talent from the national security sector will be critical for sustaining its competitive advantage.
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