Robert A. Geckle, Jr. is Chairman & CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. and oversees the operations, activities, and strategy of all Airbus U.S. companies in America.

Prior to becoming CEO in October 2021, Rob served as Chief Operating Officer and led the company’s day-to-day business and functional operations with a focus on the U.S. government market for space systems and small satellite manufacturing; helicopters; fixed wing military aircraft; unmanned aerial systems; and communications equipment.

Rob previously served as Senior Vice President and 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. Rob joined Airbus (then EADS) Group in 2005, and has served in various General Counsel, M&A and Chief Compliance Officer roles for multiple business units in Europe and the United States.

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 LLP, 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 (Sciences Po).