Former Commanding General of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command brings deep expertise in autonomous systems, space, missile defense, and emerging military technologies.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 8, 2026 — WestExec Advisors today announced that Lieutenant General Sean A. Gainey, USA, Ret., former Commanding General of the United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC), has joined the firm as a Principal to reinforce the firm’s extensive work with the innovative defense technology ecosystem globally.
General Gainey will advise WestExec’s clients on complex defense, military technology, and national security issues, drawing upon decades of operational leadership and technical expertise. His work will focus on helping clients navigate and engage the rapidly evolving defense landscape, including space and missile defense, counter-unmanned aerial systems, integrated air and missile defense, force modernization, defense innovation, and rapid adoption of technologies with critical national security implications.
Most recently, as Commanding General of the USASMDC and Commander of Joint Task Force-Gold, General Gainey led military and civilian professionals responsible for providing the Army and joint force with trained and equipped space and global ballistic missile defense forces, as well as space, missile defense, and high-altitude capabilities. He also served as Commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense.
Before assuming command of USASMDC, General Gainey served as Director of the Joint Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office and Director of Fires in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, Headquarters Department of the Army. His prior assignments include Deputy Director for Force Protection, J-8, Joint Staff; Commanding General of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command; Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Cadet Command; Commander of the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade; and Commander of the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery. He deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Joint Task Force-East, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
“Sean is one of the Army’s most accomplished leaders at the intersection of space, missile defense, air defense, and emerging military technologies,” said Michèle Flournoy, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of WestExec Advisors. “He has led large organizations through complex operational and strategic challenges, and he understands both the warfighter’s needs and the policy environment shaping the future of defense. Adding Sean to WestExec’s deep bench of experts significantly strengthens our ability to advise clients across the defense and technology arena—from global companies managing geopolitical and regulatory complexity to innovators developing capabilities that can help meet urgent national security needs.”
“I am excited to join WestExec because the firm is working with companies that are tackling some of the most important and interesting challenges at the intersection of technology, business, and national security,” said General Gainey. “Throughout my career, I have seen how quickly the character of conflict can change and how important it is to connect operational experience with innovation. I look forward to helping WestExec’s clients better understand the defense environment, anticipate the needs of the national security community, and bring forward capabilities to the users that can make a real difference for the United States and its allies.”
About WestExec Advisors
WestExec Advisors helps business leaders make the best decisions by advising on government affairs, policy, and geopolitical risk to seize emerging opportunities. To learn more, visit www.westexec.com or email info@westexec.com.
To learn more, visit www.westexec.com or email info@westexec.com.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Skoryanc
Head of Operations and Strategy
Rebecca@westexec.com
(202) 688-3336