WASHINGTON, D.C. — August 12, 2026 — WestExec Advisors today announced that Newt McKissick, former Military Deputy to the Director at the Defense Innovation Unit, has joined the firm as a Senior Advisor, expanding the firm’s ability to support innovative companies, investors, and government partners. Drawing on decades of military leadership and experience advancing emerging technologies across the Department of War, McKissick will help WestExec’s clients navigate the defense innovation ecosystem and move transformative commercial technologies from development to operational use.

Most recently, McKissick served as Military Deputy to the Director of the Department of War’s Defense Innovation Unit, overseeing all military personnel across the organization while also serving as DIU’s Navy Service Lead. In these roles, he advised senior Department leadership as DIU, now designated a Department of War Field Activity, led the commercial integration of innovative technology across the Department. His work helped drive technology adoption across DIU’s priority areas, including autonomy, space, artificial intelligence, and energy, to improve mission effectiveness and military readiness. Previously, he served as Commanding Officer of Naval Base Coronado, the Navy’s largest installation on the West Coast, and as Commanding Officer of HSM-77 in Japan. He also flew the MH-60R Seahawk as a Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor in support of operations across FIFTH and SEVENTH Fleets.

“The pace of technological change is fundamentally reshaping how national security capabilities are developed and fielded,” said Nitin Chadda, Managing Partner of WestExec Advisors. “As strategic competition accelerates, success will increasingly depend on the ability to bridge commercial innovation with the operational needs of the Department of War. Newt has spent his career at that intersection. He understands both the mission and the innovation ecosystem, and, critically, how to translate emerging technologies into capabilities that strengthen military readiness, resilience, and deterrence. His experience will be invaluable to companies developing the next generation of capabilities for the United States and its allies.”

“Innovation is reshaping every aspect of national security, creating unprecedented opportunities for government and industry to work together in new ways,” said McKissick. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen how quickly commercial innovation can become mission-critical capability when the right partnerships exist. I’m excited to join WestExec to help clients navigate the defense landscape, better understand the evolving needs of government, and accelerate the adoption of technologies that strengthen our military, enhance resilience, and deliver lasting strategic advantage for the United States and its allies.”

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