Since receiving his first Titan 100 award in 2022, Derek Newsom has continued to significantly impact aerospace and defense technology sectors. As chief operating officer and board director at Liteye Systems, a provider of counter drone and covert surveillance technology solutions to the Department of Defense, UK Ministry of Defence and others, Newsom strategically scaled the business, leading to its successful sale to a private equity firm at premium share value. Subsequently, Newsom joined Caliola Engineering as chief growth officer, focusing on nuclear command, control and military satellite communications. He also founded Axis CxO Solutions, a fractional executive consulting firm.
Central to Newsom’s consistent success is his strategic ability to leverage Fortune 100 executive experiences alongside entrepreneurial leadership skills. His expertise in reshaping businesses emphasizes EBITDA growth and maximizing shareholder value, transforming small-to-medium enterprises into thriving, profitable ventures.
At Liteye Systems, one of Newsom’s standout accomplishments involved collaborating with the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office to deliver a groundbreaking ground-based laser counter drone defense system—a first-of-its-kind battlefield capability. This achievement highlighted his capability to translate innovative concepts into operational successes.
Following Liteye’s acquisition, Newsom quickly transitioned to Caliola Engineering. Within just two months, he significantly reorganized and optimized company operations, creating a stronger, more scalable organization. His comprehensive strategy included retooling the engineering
teams, establishing a robust IT and cybersecurity infrastructure, and implementing a Program Management Office to enhance project execution and elevate customer satisfaction. Furthermore, partnering closely with the chief executive officer, Newsom championed the adoption of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) methodology. He credits EOS for fostering a culture built on trust, transparency and accountability, foundational elements for sustainable and agile business growth. Ensuring organizational alignment with core values and mission objectives, Newsom’s visionary leadership has driven profound improvements in Caliola Engineering’s overall performance and capacity.
Beyond his designated responsibilities, Newsom willingly embraces additional roles to support his team’s success. As leader of Caliola’s Engineering Solutions division, he also managed a key Navy program, culminating in the company’s first software transition into a Department of Defense Navy Program of Record. Caliola Engineering’s software successfully met all Navy testing requirements and will enhance communications capabilities for Navy aircraft, including fighter jets.
Moreover, employee professional development remains pivotal in Newsom’s leadership philosophy. Utilizing an innovative skill-set mapping framework, he continuously aligns employee capabilities with emerging customer needs, fostering a growth-oriented environment. His personalized coaching style, grounded in active listening and insightful questioning, empowers team members to unlock potential and manage career transitions effectively. Extending his mentorship beyond organizational boundaries, Newsom actively supports entrepreneurs and professionals at various career stages, amplifying his enduring influence across individuals and organizations alike.
