BAE Systems Appoints New Chief Information and Digital Officer

Mona Bates to lead technology and digital strategy for defense contractor

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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BAE Systems, Inc. has appointed Mona Bates as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer, effective February 23, 2026. In this role, Bates will be responsible for leading and executing the company's technology and digital strategies to advance business priorities and enhance user experience. She will also oversee the company's IT function.

Why it matters

The appointment of a new Chief Information and Digital Officer signals BAE Systems' focus on leveraging technology and digital capabilities to drive innovation and improve operations within the defense industry. Bates' extensive experience in IT and business across both industry and government will be valuable as the company looks to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The details

Bates has more than 20 years of IT and business expertise, 15 of which were spent with RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) companies. Most recently, she served as the Chief Digital Officer for Collins Aerospace. In her new role at BAE Systems, Bates will be a member of the company's senior leadership team, reporting directly to President and CEO Tom Arseneault.

  • Mona Bates will assume the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer on February 23, 2026.

The players

Mona Bates

Mona Bates has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer at BAE Systems, Inc. She has over 20 years of IT and business expertise, including 15 years with RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) companies, where she most recently served as the Chief Digital Officer for Collins Aerospace.

Tom Arseneault

Tom Arseneault is the President and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. Bates will report directly to Arseneault in her new role.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited to welcome Mona to the BAE Systems team. Her extensive experience in IT and business, as well as her proven track record of driving digital transformation, will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our technology and digital capabilities.”

— Tom Arseneault, President and Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems, Inc. (Press Release)

What’s next

Mona Bates will officially begin her new role as Senior Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer at BAE Systems on February 23, 2026.

The takeaway

The appointment of Mona Bates as BAE Systems' new Chief Information and Digital Officer underscores the company's commitment to leveraging technology and digital solutions to drive innovation and improve operations within the defense industry.