Recent Background as Corporate Leader of Operational Excellence

Leonardo DRS, Inc., has appointed Cari Ossenfort SVP and General Manager of its Naval Electronics business, responsible for the business by leading operations, programmes, business strategy and future growth opportunities, the company announced on 6 January. The business is a leader in naval computing infrastructure, network and data distribution and middleware enterprise services, as well as providing advanced manufacturing and support capabilities of critical importance to the US Navy and other military branches.

Ossenfort brings over 20 years of experience in engineering, operations and leadership in the defense and commercial industries, including working on a range of programs for U.S. military and government agencies. Most recently, she was Leonardo DRS’ VP of Operational Excellence and Quality, responsible for the creation, evolution, growth, and strategy for that programme across the corporation.  In this role, she successfully developed and executed company-wide performance improvement initiatives across eight business units and the corporate office, by addressing operational inefficiencies and driving standardisation throughout the employee base of over 6,500.

“We are excited to have someone of Cari’s caliber lead our Naval Electronics business,” said Bill Lynn, CEO of Leonardo DRS. “Her experience, foresight and leadership qualities will help chart a clear path forward to grow the business and support our important U.S. Navy customer in existing and future programs.”

Prior to leading the Leonardo DRS operational excellence programme Ossenfort, a trained engineer, was VP/GM for the L3 Infrared Products group, leading the infrared focal plane business in Dallas, TX. She has held multiple senior engineering, operations, and management roles in previous positions at Leonardo DRS, Raytheon, Texas Instruments and Avery Dennison. She received both her engineering degree and master’s in business administration from Auburn University.