Avio USA Names New Chief Security Officer

Anthony King Named Chief Security Officer at Avio USA

Avio USA, the American start-up arm of a leading international group specializing in space launchers and solid, liquid, and cryogenic propulsion systems, has appointed Anthony King as Chief Security Officer. 

With more than 20 years of experience protecting high-value enterprise assets, information, and personnel, King has built a career at the intersection of industrial security and corporate strategy — bridging complex security risk with business objectives across cleared defense environments. He is among a select group of security executives with deep, hands-on experience operating under a Special Security Agreement (SSA), expertise directly relevant to Avio USA's structure as the American arm of an international parent. His arrival comes at a critical inflection point as Avio USA works to expand domestic solid-rocket motor capacity in support of national defense priorities.

Before joining Avio USA, King served as Director of Security at Forterra, where he led the company's security organization across people, information, and asset protection. Prior to that, he spent more than seven years at Viasat as Senior Regional Security Manager, where he was recognized with the Cogswell Award — the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency's highest honor for industrial security excellence — while overseeing multiple cleared facilities and corporate-level programs including insider threat and self-inspection. He also served as Facility Security Officer for HENSOLDT Inc., leading the industrial security and FOCI program under an SSA. Earlier, he spent eight years at DRS Technologies as Director of Security, and he founded Precise Consulting, LLC, advising companies on FOCI, industrial security, and CMMC programs. King began his career in the United States Marine Corps, serving as a Special Security Officer supporting SATCOM operations.

Executive Search Partnership: Avio USA

Partners Brad Westveld and Patrick Casey are proud to have partnered with Avio USA on this Chief Security Officer appointment. 

Avio is a leading international group engaged in the manufacturing and development of space launchers and solid, liquid and cryogenic propulsion systems. The experience and know-how built up over more than 50 years puts Avio at the cutting-edge of the space launcher sector and defense program. Avio is present in Italy, France, United States and French Guiana, employing more than 1,500 highly qualified personnel. Avio is the prime contractor for the Vega program and a sub-contractor for the Ariane program, as well as a leading solid rocket motor subcontractor for the design and manufacturing of major European tactical missile programs.

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