DOW Names Sonu Shankar Principal Deputy CIO Amid Digital Transformation Efforts

Kirsten Davies, the chief information officer at the Department of War (DOW), has named Sonu Shankar as the principal deputy CIO. In this role, Shankar will direct the department's IT, cybersecurity, and digital modernization initiatives to strengthen its technological edge.

Shankar brings decades of experience in cybersecurity and technology, including his previous roles at Arctic Wolf Networks and Cisco Systems. He also has experience in international business development and product innovation.

The appointment is part of the DOW's ongoing digital transformation efforts under Pete Hegseth's 'Arsenal of Freedom' initiative. Davies said Shankar will add 'additional firepower' to the department's transformation work and his experience will be a 'tremendous asset' to the mission.

Shankar expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this role, citing the need for a technological edge over adversaries. He noted that the ambitious digital transformation of the department is necessary to empower warfighters and maintain a technological advantage.