Katie Arrington. Photo: IonQ

IonQ is hiring Katie Arrington to be its new chief information officer (CIO) in a high-profile hire for the quantum company. In her most recent role, Arrington performed the duties of the Department of Defense’s chief information officer. Arrington keynoted CyberSat in November where she spoke about the relationships between the commercial space industry and government. IonQ announced the appointment, Jan. 14.

Arrington has an impressive background. Recently, performing the duties of DoD CIO, she advised the Defense Secretary on enterprise information management; satellite, communications, and spectrum capabilities; cyber assurance; and space and emerging technology policy. Earlier, as deputy CIO for cybersecurity, she led defense-wide oversight of cyber strategy, governance, and compliance.

IonQ also revealed that that Leslie Kershaw, currently with IonQ Capella, will advance into a newly expanded role as chief information security officer (CISO), reporting to Arrington.

As CIO, Arrington will oversee the protection and modernization of IonQ’s global enterprise systems, safeguard digital assets and supply chains, and strengthen operational and cyber resilience across the company’s rapidly expanding footprint. Her move to IonQ reflects a continued personal mission she has championed throughout her career — ensuring U.S. warfighters, government agencies, and industry have access to the world’s most advanced, secure technology. It was something that she has spoken at length both at last year’s CyberSat, as well as previous editions of CyberSat.

“Katie has spent her entire career as a passionate advocate to ensure the United States maintains its technological edge — from strengthening the industrial base to protecting critical systems and capabilities across the Department of War. Her passion for defending the nation and advancing the kind of breakthrough innovation that quantum computing represents will help accelerate IonQ’s growth and impact,” Niccolo de Masi, chairman and CEO of IonQ said in a statement.

IonQ has been expanding its activity in the space industry. Last year, IonQ acquired Capella Space and recently announced plans to acquire optical communications company Skyloom Global. The company plans to expand the security of quantum networking to satellite networks.