BAE Systems, Inc. Appoints Tara Olivet as Senior Vice President of Finance, Succeeding Dan Sallet
BAE Systems, Inc., a leading defense, aerospace, and security company, has announced the appointment of Tara Olivet as its new Senior Vice President of Finance, effective June 7, 2025. In her new role, Olivet will oversee all financial operations for BAE Systems’ U.S.-based businesses, which reported total sales of $16.85 billion in 2024 and support a workforce of more than 40,000 employees across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Sweden.
Olivet’s promotion positions her as a key member of the BAE Systems, Inc. senior leadership team. She will report directly to President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Arseneault, contributing to strategic financial planning, risk management, and long-term investment decisions as the company continues to navigate a highly dynamic and competitive global defense landscape.
A Recognized Leader Within the BAE Systems Organization
“Tara has distinguished herself as a highly accomplished and widely respected executive during her nearly 20-year tenure with BAE Systems,” said Arseneault in a statement announcing the appointment. “Her experience, leadership, and dedication to the company’s mission will continue to be foundational to our future growth and success.”
Olivet joined BAE Systems in 2005 and has steadily ascended through a wide range of financial leadership roles. Most recently, she served as Deputy Senior Vice President of Finance for BAE Systems, Inc., where she was responsible for helping shape and execute financial policy across the organization. Her portfolio included budget planning, performance reporting, financial governance, and strategic analysis—core functions that support the company’s operational integrity and compliance with global standards.
Prior to that, Olivet was Vice President of Finance for the company’s Platforms & Services sector, one of BAE Systems’ largest and most complex business units. In that capacity, she led financial planning and reporting for a range of programs related to ground vehicles, naval ships, and weapons systems, delivering essential insights to guide program execution and resource allocation.
Earlier in her career at BAE Systems, Olivet spent six years with the company’s headquarters team as Vice President of Internal Audit and Controller. In this dual role, she was responsible for financial oversight, audit readiness, and internal controls across the enterprise. Her work ensured a high standard of financial transparency and accountability, and helped the company maintain trust with its shareholders, regulators, and global partners.
Global Experience and Strategic Impact
In addition to her U.S.-based responsibilities, Olivet has played a significant role in international programs. She notably served as the Finance and Controls Director for the U.K.-based Aircraft Carrier Alliance, a multi-company consortium responsible for designing and delivering the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers—HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. In that role, she coordinated cross-border financial operations, managed budgets for complex procurement cycles, and led risk assessment efforts during the project’s most critical phases.
This combination of domestic and international experience has given Olivet a nuanced understanding of defense contracting, multinational finance operations, and large-scale program execution—skills that will be invaluable as she steps into her new role amid rising demand for defense modernization and international collaboration.
Transition in Leadership
Olivet succeeds longtime BAE Systems executive Dan Sallet, who is retiring after a distinguished 35-year career. To ensure a smooth transition, Sallet will remain with the company through January 2026, supporting special strategic initiatives and acting as an advisor to the finance leadership team.
“I want to thank Dan for the tremendous contributions he’s made to our company throughout his more than 35-year career,” said Arseneault. “His exceptional work has helped BAE Systems and its employees, customers, and shareholders to thrive.”
Sallet’s tenure was marked by consistent growth, prudent financial management, and a focus on strengthening the company’s balance sheet while investing in innovation. Under his financial leadership, BAE Systems expanded its position in key markets, executed major acquisitions, and supported the development of next-generation platforms across air, sea, land, and cyber domains.
Educational Background and Professional Certifications
Olivet brings a strong academic foundation to her leadership role. She earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Georgetown University, one of the nation’s top programs for business strategy and international finance. She also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and Marketing from Ithaca College, and a Certificate in Accounting from the University of California, Berkeley.
Her commitment to excellence in financial governance is further demonstrated by her professional certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This designation underscores her technical expertise in accounting, regulatory compliance, and ethical financial reporting.
Olivet steps into her new position during a transformative time for the defense industry. As geopolitical tensions rise and demand for advanced defense technologies increases, companies like BAE Systems must remain agile in their financial operations and strategic investments. Olivet will be responsible not only for maintaining fiscal discipline but also for enabling growth through innovation, acquisitions, and global partnerships.
BAE Systems, Inc.—a subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, headquartered in the United Kingdom—is a major player in the U.S. defense industry. Its U.S. operations support missions in air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains, delivering critical technologies and solutions for both domestic and allied military customers. From next-generation combat vehicles and advanced electronics to secure communications and cyber defense systems, the company’s portfolio spans nearly every segment of modern warfare and national security.
With Olivet at the financial helm, BAE Systems is expected to continue its trajectory of sustainable growth, innovation leadership, and long-term value creation for customers and stakeholders alike.
