DBT Aero is excited to announce the addition of Daniel Gelston to our team. With over 25 years of leadership experience in the US military and Intelligence Community, Daniel’s extensive background in the global defense industry will be an invaluable asset to our organization.
An Impressive Career in Defense and Security
Daniel has held several prominent positions throughout his career:
- Group President, CAE Defense & Security: As a Named Executive Officer of CAE Inc., Daniel was responsible for a $2 billion, 6,000+ employee training and simulation enterprise. He also served as President & General Manager of CAE USA Inc., the company’s US-based subsidiary operating under a Special Security Agreement (SSA) to mitigate foreign ownership, control, or influence. In 2021, Daniel led the $1 billion+ acquisition of L3Harris’ Military Training Sector, creating the largest platform-agnostic, training, and simulation global pure-play dedicated to supporting worldwide defense customers in maintaining the highest levels of mission readiness across all five battlespace domains.
- President, L3Harris Broadband Communications Systems Sector: Daniel managed a $1.5 billion, 3,400-employee business providing advanced communications solutions, particularly in the air domain, for defense and intelligence organizations worldwide.
- Leadership Roles at Smiths Detection Inc. and Cobham Tactical Communications and Surveillance: In 2017, Daniel oversaw the SSA-controlled portion of Smith’s $710 million Morpho Detection acquisition and the divestment of Smith’s Brazil business. In 2015, he led the sale of Cobham’s Surveillance Business and served as CEO during its transition to a standalone company.
- Counterterrorism Analyst at the DIA: Early in his career, Daniel provided critical intelligence products to the highest levels of US government decision-makers, including the President of the United States.
Academic Excellence and Military Service
Daniel’s academic achievements reflect his intellectual rigor and dedication:
- Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence: National Intelligence University
- Double-Major Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and International Strategic Policy: Bucknell University
His military experience includes active and reserve duty as an armor and military intelligence officer from 1998 to 2007. Daniel is a US Army Armor School Draper Awardee and Intelligence Officer School Distinguished Honor Graduate.
In discussing his appointment with the CEO, Michael Duke, and Chief of Staff, Ben Neivert, Dan said, “I am thrilled to be joining DBT Aero, a company driving sustainable regional air mobility right here in Utah. DBT Aero’s double box tail design provides breakthrough performance and economics at incredibly low noise levels. I look forward to assisting the team in commercializing this tremendous innovation.”
We are confident that Daniel Gelston’s extensive experience and leadership will significantly contribute to DBT Aero’s growth and innovation. Please join us in welcoming him to the team!
