San Diego, March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Shield AI, a deep technology company that builds cutting-edge autonomous software and defense aircraft, today announced a leadership transition designed to accelerate the company’s next stage of growth. Gary Steela veteran technology executive with more than 30 years of experience with experienced global technology enterprises, joins Shield AI as CEO May 13, 2025. Steel will also join Shield AI’s board of directors to bring high-growth companies a track record towards operational scale and market leadership.
Ten years after being co-founder and CEO, Ryan Tsen He decided to step down from his role and move to co-founder and president. It focuses on promoting senior level engagement with the US, foreign policy and defense leaders, as well as aerospace and defense companies. Under Ryan’s leadership, Shield AI has achieved extraordinary growth, expanding to over 900 teammates, 1 billion dollars It has become a multi-billion dollar defense technology company in fundraising.
“In my most important responsibility, I have always ensured that Shield AI is guided by the person best suited to the role. Exceptional leaders are prioritizing missions, embodying honor, service-led, intellectually rigorous, striving, wise, wise and introspective.” Ryan Tsen. “Over the past year, the massive demand for autonomous solutions and the growth of the aircraft business has undoubtedly revealed that Shield AI needs leaders who have demonstrated their experience in scaling technology organizations, as well as deep software expertise. Gary Steel He is the best leader in the next chapter of our growth. I am committed to my company and mission. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working for Gary until I build this generation of amazing tech companies.
Steele is currently president of Cisco and is in the marketplace, overseeing the sales, partners and marketing teams that drive enterprise growth. Before joining Cisco, Gary was CEO of Splunk, bringing the enterprise software company profitable and earning 58% before selling the company to Cisco. $28 billion 2024. He also founded Proofpoint, served as CEO and took it. $0 Achieve the ultimate corporate value to an IPO $12 billion.
“There is a growing demand for high levels of autonomy from defense industry leaders, and we also see opportunities to expand beyond traditional defense applications to benefit large commercial enterprises.” Gary SteelIncoming Shield AI CEO. “I’m proud to join this team and help Ryan bring this great opportunity in my partnership with Brandon.”
Steel’s appointment follows Shield AI appointment $240 million The Series F-1 fundraising round was announced last week. $5.3 billion. Important interest and participation from strategic investors are evidence of protecting AI momentum after the V-Bat milestone of the year, the recent announcement of technology integration, and the increasing demand for large-scale autonomy.
About Shield AI
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-supported defense technology company with a mission to protect service members and civilians with intelligent and autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprises such as Edgeos, Pilot, Commander, and Forge. There is an office San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC, Abu Dhabi (uae), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI technology actively supports US and alliance operations around the world.
For more information, please visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.
Media Contact: Lily Hinz; (Email protection)
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