Dr. Ahmed Bakhsh

Dr. Ahmed Bakhsh serves as Innovation & Strategy Advisor for Respada, bringing over two decades of global leadership across aerospace, defense, and technology industries. A mission-driven executive, he combines deep technical expertise with a proven record of scaling international programs, driving digital transformation, and forging high‐value partnerships.

At Lockheed Martin, Dr. Bakhsh most recently held the role of Director of International Programs, where he expanded business portfolios from $30 million to over $1.5 billion. He led cross‐functional teams across India, the Middle East, and allied nations—overseeing capture management, customer engagement, and delivery of mission‐focused C-130J aircraft configurations. Under his leadership, Lockheed Martin established innovative R&D collaborations and sustainment capabilities, ensuring on‐time, on‐budget execution of critical defense platforms .

Prior to Lockheed Martin, Dr. Bakhsh guided Raytheon’s strategic growth initiatives in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, focusing on Integrated Air & Missile Defense, C4ISR, Effects C2, and Maritime Surveillance. He also led systems engineering and architecture development for the autonomous Battle Command and Mission Execution System at the U.S. Department of Defense. Earlier, as a senior manager at ITT-Exelis, he oversaw business development and program operations delivering critical C2 solutions to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Bakhsh’s international consulting experience spans Kuwait, Qatar, and the broader GCC, where he initiated and managed localization initiatives—including technology transfer, M&A, and direct‐investment programs—for both industrial and manufacturing clients. He served as a consultant in advanced manufacturing for the Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting in Doha.

Before his international ventures, Dr. Bakhsh contributed to applied engineering projects at Boeing Defense Systems, Kimberly-Clark, and i2 Technologies—focusing on automation, robotics, machine design, prototyping, and R&D within IT, manufacturing, space, aerospace, and defense industries.

Dr. Bakhsh holds a PhD and MSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a BSc in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Based in Ashburn, VA, he leverages his multidisciplinary background to guide Respada’s clients in identifying and capitalizing on high‐impact innovations, strategic partnerships, and sustainable growth opportunities.