J. Robert Beyster

Biography

John Robert Beyster (1924-2014) launched Science Applications, Inc. in 1969 (later renamed Science Applications International Corporation, or SAIC). The firm’s initial emphasis was on nuclear power, research, and weapons effects study programs, primarily under government contracts. Diversifying rapidly under his leadership, SAIC grew to provide high-technology services and products to government and commercial customers in areas of national and international security, systems integration, information technology, transportation, telecommunications, health systems, energy, and environmental systems and engineering. Dr. Beyster’s belief in employee-ownership business models inspired him to found the Foundation for Enterprise Development (FED) in 1986. Dr. Beyster remained at the helm of SAIC as the chairman and chief executive officer until his retirement on July 16, 2004.