Karman Space & Defense names Stefan Knighton as first chief information and AI officer

Karman Space & Defense Names Former Lockheed Executive as Chief Information and AI Officer

Karman Space & Defense appointed Stefan Knighton as its first chief information and artificial intelligence officer on Monday, creating a new executive role that merges IT operations with AI strategy.

The position expands traditional chief information officer duties by giving Knighton full ownership of the company's AI governance alongside technology infrastructure. He oversees IT and AI strategy, tool and model selection, business systems, and the enterprise-wide rollout of Karman's operating system across corporate facilities.

CEO Jon Rambeau said the move reflects Karman's view that technology infrastructure and AI strategy must develop together to create competitive advantage.

Knighton's Background

Knighton spent nearly two decades at Lockheed Martin, where he served as vice president and chief information officer for the missiles and fire control business. He led enterprise transformation initiatives at Kyndryl before joining Karman, and earlier held leadership roles at Fujifilm managing commercial technology, manufacturing, and supply chain operations.

His experience centers on enterprise technology modernization, systems integration, and post-acquisition work. He has led efforts to streamline legacy systems and establish centers of excellence for operational performance.

Part of Broader Leadership Shift

Knighton's appointment follows other executive moves at the defense contractor. Rambeau, formerly of L3Harris Technologies, became CEO in March. Doug Laurendeau, another Lockheed Martin veteran, joined as chief growth officer in April.

Karman also expanded its defense capabilities this year through acquisitions of Seemann Composites and MSC, broadening its portfolio across maritime and other defense domains.

For executives managing technology strategy and AI governance, understanding how to align these functions is increasingly critical. AI Learning Path for CIOs and AI for Executives & Strategy resources offer practical frameworks for this integration.