Unleashing the power of information advantage: Why it's critical for today’s dynamic environments
Managing and securing data at scale while staying agile in the face of constant change, has become one of the most pressing challenges organizations face today. Achieving information advantage has never been more critical – or more difficult. It requires innovative solutions that combine speed, scale, and security while addressing the unique demands of each mission.
Robert Linger, vice president of information advantage for Leidos, is addressing these challenges head-on by leveraging advanced automation, repeatable solutions, and a customer-first approach. With over five years at Leidos, he has established strategic partnerships between Leidos and commercial product vendors, strengthening the company's market differentiation in Generative AI-assisted Software Development.
Leveraging his diverse background, including serving as an Infantry Marine in the Marine Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom, founding and leading a federal contracting company, and holding executive roles at a higher education institution specializing in cybersecurity, he has paved a path defined by resilience, innovation, and deep understanding of mission-critical needs. This unique journey equips him to be a visionary leader.
We sat down with Rob to discuss how his diverse experiences have shaped his approach, why he’s passionate about delivering value to customers, and how he continues to lead with innovation and expertise in this ever-evolving landscape.
How would you define information advantage, and why is it so critical for organizations operating in today’s dynamic environments?
Information advantage means turning raw data into actionable insights, empowering smart decisions that drive success. In today’s dynamic environment, organizations must quickly adapt and respond to change. Leidos Information Advantage excels through Repeatable Offerings designed by our top-tier IT, engineering, and data science teams, supporting transformation of that data into knowledge and then into action. This proactive approach is essential for our customers and teams to maintain a competitive edge and achieve impactful results.
I’ve been part of Leidos for over five years, and I’m excited to bring my expertise to this new role where we tackle our customers' toughest challenges head-on. Leidos not only delivers innovation but also empowers its teams to deliver impactful solutions that drive real-world results. By delivering innovative solutions tailored to our customers' needs, I’m focused on creating real value – empowering them to their mission with unmatched speed, security, and confidence.
Rob Linger
Leidos Vice President of Information Advantage
Information advantage relies on the integration of multiple disciplines. How do cyber, networks, and other practices collectively contribute to delivering a cohesive and secure solution for customers?
By integrating the practices of cybersecurity, networks, cloud, application modernization, enterprise digital experience, and information advantage, we deliver solutions that are designed to be both cohesive and secure. Our multidisciplinary approach — backed by repeatable offerings and a top-tier technical teams — supports the integration of every layer. This practice is key to transforming data into actionable insights, enabling us to protect sensitive information while empowering our federal customers and internal teams to make smart, informed decisions.
Automation is a core element of your strategy. How do you balance automation with human expertise to maximize decision-making efficiency for your customers?
We blend advanced automation with expert human insight to deliver fast, accurate decision-making. We leverage tools and technology to streamline data processing, while our teams provide the context and oversight that only human expertise and customer understanding can offer. This balanced approach ensures our customers enjoy both the efficiency of automation and the nuanced understanding necessary to drive informed, secure actions.
With security challenges constantly evolving, how does your team approach protecting integrated systems that leverage AI and automation tools while ensuring scalable and high-performance operations?
At Leidos, we secure AI-enhanced systems with an integrated approach that blends advanced automation and expert oversight. Our repeatable offerings — backed by our team — continuously monitor and adapt to emerging threats. This dynamic strategy ensures our AI and automation tools deliver scalable, high-performance operations while keeping data secure, helping customers to confidently transform information into actionable insights.
Looking ahead, how do you envision the evolution of information advantage, and what role will Leidos play in shaping this future for its customers?
Looking ahead, Information Advantage will evolve into an even more seamless fusion of advanced technologies and expert insight. We will continue to build differentiated solutions, and partner with the best commercial technology providers to outpace the market. Leidos is poised to lead this transformation, leveraging our repeatable offerings, unparalleled customer understanding, and our people. We’re committed to working with our customers to provide secure, scalable solutions that drive agile decision-making and lasting impact in an ever-changing landscape.
