Phebe Novakovic

Phebe Novakovic is an American business executive who has served as the chairman and chief executive officer of the aerospace and defense conglomerate General Dynamics since 2013. A former officer of the Central Intelligence Agency, she has held several key leadership positions within the corporation, overseeing its diverse portfolio of businesses in combat vehicles, aerospace, marine systems, and information technology. Under her tenure, General Dynamics has consistently ranked among the top companies on the Fortune 500 and has been noted for its strong financial performance and strategic focus.

Early life and education

Phebe Novakovic was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and spent part of her youth in Yugoslavia and Washington, D.C.. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Smith College, a prominent liberal arts institution in Northampton, Massachusetts, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government. Following her graduation, Novakovic began her professional career with the Central Intelligence Agency, serving as an intelligence analyst. She later attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where she received a Master of Business Administration.

Career at General Dynamics

Novakovic joined General Dynamics in 2001 as a vice president of strategic planning, bringing her analytical background from the Central Intelligence Agency to the corporation's headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. She quickly ascended through the executive ranks, holding positions of increasing responsibility. She served as senior vice president of planning and development before being named executive vice president of the Marine Systems group in 2005, overseeing the operations of Electric Boat and Bath Iron Works, major shipbuilders for the United States Navy. In 2012, she was promoted to president and chief operating officer, positioning her as the successor to then-CEO Jay L. Johnson.

Leadership and strategic initiatives

Upon becoming chief executive officer in January 2013 and chairman of the board in May 2013, Novakovic implemented a strategy focused on operational efficiency, portfolio balance, and shareholder returns. She has overseen significant contracts for core products like the Virginia-class submarine, the Columbia-class submarine, and the M1 Abrams tank. Key acquisitions under her leadership have included CSRA Inc., bolstering the company's information technology and mission systems sector. She has also presided over the successful integration of Gulfstream Aerospace, maintaining its position as a leader in business aviation against competitors like Bombardier Inc. and Dassault Aviation.

Board memberships and other roles

Beyond her executive duties at General Dynamics, Novakovic serves on the board of directors of Caterpillar Inc., the global manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. She has previously held board positions with Fidelity Investments and the National Geographic Society. Her corporate governance experience is further recognized through her membership on the Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers of major American companies. She has also been involved with advisory councils for institutions like the University of Pennsylvania.

Personal life and recognition

Phebe Novakovic is married to James H. B. Johnson, a retired United States Army officer and former military assistant to the Secretary of Defense. They have two children and reside in the Washington, D.C. area. Novakovic has been consistently ranked among the most powerful women in business by publications such as Forbes and Fortune (magazine). In recognition of her leadership, she was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2021. She is also a recipient of the Horatio Alger Award, which honors individuals who have achieved success despite humble beginnings.

Category:1957 births Category:American chief executives Category:General Dynamics people Category:Living people Category:Smith College alumni Category:University of Pennsylvania alumni Category:Wharton School alumni Category:People from Ann Arbor, Michigan