SAIC Inc., McLean, Va., ranked No. 7 in the 2010 Top Systems Integrators Report (the company did not report in 2011), announced that John P. Jumper will succeed Walter P. Havenstein as chief executive officer on March 1, 2012. Jumper joined SAIC’s board as director in June, 2007. From September 2001 to November 2005, Jumper was the chief of staff of the United States Air Force, serving as the most senior uniformed Air Force officer responsible for the organization, training and equipping of active-duty, guard, reserve and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas.

In announcing the board’s actions, A. Thomas Young, chairman of the board, said, “Given SAIC’s focus on providing the most advanced technical solutions to war fighters and government and commercial customers, after an exhaustive search of candidates the board viewed Jumper as uniquely qualified to lead SAIC at this time. His leadership and experience particularly in national security have been invaluable to the board of directors these past five years. He knows our business and the industry extremely well and we are confident he will continue our 43-year tradition of success, outstanding customer satisfaction and superior performance.”

Havenstein, who has led the company since September of 2009, announced his retirement in October, 2011.

“I am honored to have been selected to lead SAIC and am keen to face the challenges ahead in our industry,” Jumper said. “Also, I am grateful to be given the opportunity to build upon the successes we’ve achieved under Walt Havenstein’s leadership. He’s positioned the company to take unique advantage of our strengths. I look forward to leading SAIC as we continue to provide solutions vital to our nation.”