Blue Yonder Defense Solutions—the defense and government arm of Blue Yonder, a leading global AI supply chain company—has appointed Retired U.S. Marine Lieutenant General Michael S. Cederholm as its new CEO, effective immediately. Cederholm brings more than 36 years of senior leadership experience delivering disciplined execution across complex, mission-critical global operations.

Blue Yonder is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, but its Defense Solutions arm has a significant presence in the Dallas area, as well as in Washington, D.C. In 2024, Blue Yonder acquired Dallas’ One Network Enterprises in a deal valued at around $839 million.

“Throughout my career, I’ve seen how disciplined innovation transforms readiness and operational effectiveness,” Cederholm said in a statement. “Blue Yonder Defense Solutions delivers industry-leading, AI-driven capabilities that enable defense and government organizations to perform in the most demanding environments. I look forward to leading this team in supporting the warfighter and the aid worker on the front lines, ensuring constant readiness, resilience and the ability to deliver across every mission and environment.”.

In an era of disruption and competition, supply chains have become “critical components of national power and strategic advantage,” Blue Yonder said, adding that Cederholm takes the helm at a pivotal time when global operations, the defense industrial base, and associated supply chains face “increasing threats of disruption and risk.”

Brings ‘deep operational experience’

Under Cederholm’s leadership, Blue Yonder Defense Solutions will accelerate innovation to help customers make advantageous decisions at scale—enabling defense, allied, humanitarian organizations, and industry partners to operate with greater readiness, speed, and resilience in challenging environments, the company said. Blue Yonder Defense Solutions will continue to apply proven commercial AI to defense-grade missions, supporting U.S. forces, allied, and partner nations through Foreign Military Sales (FMS), the Defense Industrial Base, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response worldwide.

Most recently, Cederholm served as the commanding general of the First Marine Expeditionary Force, where he led 44,500 service members in complex, multinational operations. Previously, as deputy commandant for aviation, he architected Project Eagle, a 15-year, $240 billion modernization strategy designed to strengthen readiness and operational decision-making through AI-driven capabilities.

He’s a graduate of and former instructor at the Navy Fighter Weapons School, also known as TOPGUN.

“Lt. Gen. Cederholm’s strategic leadership and deep operational experience align perfectly with our commitment to deliver AI-powered logistics intelligence for our defense and government customers,” said Gene Trousil, president of Blue Yonder Defense Solutions. “We’re excited to have him on board as we accelerate modernization and redefine what’s possible in contested environments.”