Saab has appointed Michael D. Brasseur as vice president and chief strategy officer, tasked to help the defense and security company leverage emerging disruptive technologies and achieve its strategic goals and customer needs. 

Brasseur, founder and the first commodore of the U.S. Navy’s robotics and artificial intelligence-focused Task Force 59, has 26 years of experience in the U.S. Navy, having commanded two warships. 

At Saab, Brasseur will leverage his expertise in robotics and AI and work with government, industry and the academe to develop the company’s defense and security solutions.

Saab U.S. President and CEO Erik Smith said Brasseur is a visionary leader with unique expertise from the tactical edge with extensive experience at various levels of government, including the White House, Pentagon, and NATO.

Brasseur has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Vanderbilt University, as well as an M.A. in organizational management from George Washington University and an M.A. in international relations from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

Brasseur co-chairs the NATO Maritime Unmanned Systems Innovation Advisory Board, Saab said.