Robert A. Geckle, Jr. is Chairman & CEO of AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. In this capacity, he oversees the operations, activities and strategy of all Airbus US companies in the United States. Based in Arlington, Virginia, Airbus US provides the US Government Customer with fixed and rotary wing aircraft, homeland security systems, public safety communications, space systems, defense electronics and avionics, and threat detection systems.

Prior to becoming CEO, Rob served as SVP, COO, where he was responsible for both the company’s business and functional operations of the U.S. government facing business of Airbus US Space & Defense, Inc.

Prior to July 2020, he served as SVP, Head of Airbus S.A.S Legal Affairs – Industry & Services, Europe, China and North America, where he led a transformation of a world-wide team of over 80 lawyers and compliance professionals supporting Airbus’ industrial operations.

Having joined the Airbus (then EADS) group in 2005, Rob previously served in various General Counsel roles for multiple business units in Europe and the United States, as well as head of M&A legal affairs in Paris, France.

Prior to joining Airbus, he was an attorney at Hogan & Hartson’s Washington, D.C. office for five years, where he focused on cross-border transactions, most notably for large aerospace and defense companies. Rob began his career as a commercial litigator, working for three years at Howrey, also in Washington, D.C.

Rob received his B.A. cum laude from Middlebury College, JD cum laude from Boston College Law School and completed studies at Institut d'études politiques de Paris.

Rob serves on the Board of HawkEye 360 as well as the National Defense Industry Association. Originally a Newtown, Connecticut native, Rob now resides in Virginia with his wife and two children.