James Donald "Jim" Taiclet Jr. (born May 13, 1960) is an American business executive who has served as the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Lockheed Martin Corporation since 2021, having initially assumed the roles of President and CEO in June 2020. A former U.S. Air Force officer and veteran of the Gulf War, Taiclet has led a career spanning military aviation, management consulting, and senior executive leadership in the aerospace and telecommunications infrastructure industries. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Taiclet is the son of James Taiclet Sr., a U.S. Army veteran and later a boilermaker, and Mary Ann Taiclet (née Foley). He attended the United States Air Force Academy, graduating in 1982 with degrees in engineering and international relations. During his tenure at the academy, he was a distinguished graduate and captained the rugby team. Following his undergraduate studies, Taiclet earned a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University, where he was awarded a fellowship at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. Taiclet began his professional career as a pilot in the United States Air Force, serving from 1985 to 1991. During his military service, he logged over 5,000 flying hours, primarily piloting the Lockheed C-141B Starlifter. He served as an aircraft commander and instructor pilot, and held roles as a unit chief of Standardization and Evaluation. His service included participation in Operation Desert Shield, where he piloted early missions to transport U.S. forces into Saudi Arabia. Additionally, he completed rotational assignments within the Joint Staff and Air Staff at the Pentagon. In 1991, Taiclet transitioned to the private sector, joining the management consulting firm McKinsey & Company. He subsequently held executive roles at Pratt & Whitney, serving as Vice President of Engine Services, and later as President of Honeywell Aerospace Services. In 2001, Taiclet joined American Tower Corporation as Chief Operating Officer. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2003 and Chairman in 2004, leading the company for nearly two decades. Under his leadership, American Tower transformed from a primarily U.S.-focused entity into a global leader in communications infrastructure, with its market capitalization growing from approximately $2 billion to over $100 billion. Taiclet joined the Lockheed Martin Board of Directors in 2018. In June 2020, he succeeded Marillyn Hewson as President and CEO, and in March 2021, he assumed the additional role of Chairman. At Lockheed Martin, Taiclet has emphasized a strategy he terms "21st Century Security," which focuses on integrating advanced digital and physical technologies, such as artificial intelligence, open-systems architectures, and hypersonics, to support integrated deterrence for the U.S. and its allies. His tenure has been marked by a push to modernize defense systems and strengthen the company’s supply chain and technological capabilities amid shifting global geopolitical tensions. Beyond his corporate roles, Taiclet is an active member of the Council on Foreign Relations, serving on its board and as a co-chair of its Task Force on Economic Security. He also serves on the board of directors for Mass General Brigham and is a member of The Business Council and an associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He is married to Carol Taiclet, and the couple has three children.