IonQ, Inc., a leader in quantum computing and networking based in College Park, Maryland, has appointed Niccolo de Masi as President and Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. De Masi, who has served on IonQ’s board of directors since 2021, succeeds Peter Chapman, who will continue as Executive Chair.
De Masi brings extensive experience as a seasoned public company CEO, having led organizations such as Monstermob Group, Resideo Technologies, and Glu Mobile, and was instrumental in taking IonQ public through a SPAC merger in 2021. His appointment follows his significant contributions to shaping IonQ’s strategic direction and growth initiatives during his tenure on the board.
IonQ Announces Leadership Transition: Niccolo de Masi Appointed as President & CEO
De Masi has been a standing board member of IonQ since 2021 and played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, particularly during its initial public offering (IPO) through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) merger in 2021. His background as a physicist with degrees from Cambridge University aligns closely with IonQ’s mission to develop cutting-edge quantum technologies. De Masi expressed his enthusiasm for leading IonQ during this critical phase of the quantum computing industry.
In his new role, de Masi will focus on building upon IonQ’s momentum, leveraging its current generation systems such as IonQ Forte and IonQ Forte Enterprise, which feature 36 algorithmic qubits. The company has already established itself as a leader in the field, with recognitions including Newsweek’s 2025 Excellence Index 1000 and Forbes’ 2025 Most Successful Mid-Cap Companies list. De Masi’s leadership is expected to solidify further IonQ’s position as a key player in the quantum era.
Peter Chapman, IonQ’s Executive Chair, highlighted de Masi’s contributions to the company’s strategic direction and growth initiatives during his tenure on the board. Chapman expressed confidence in de Masi’s ability to accelerate IonQ’s progress and emphasized the importance of this leadership transition for the company’s future.
Peter Chapman Becomes Executive Chair
Peter Chapman has transitioned into the role of Executive Chair at IonQ, marking a strategic evolution in the company’s leadership structure. In this position, Chapman will focus on providing strategic oversight and support for Niccolo de Masi, who now serves as President and CEO. Chapman’s extensive experience with IonQ, including his involvement during its IPO through a SPAC merger in 2021, positions him to contribute valuable insights into the company’s future direction.
Chapman’s tenure on IonQ’s board has been characterized by his commitment to advancing the company’s quantum computing initiatives and fostering growth. His transition to Executive Chair reflects a deliberate effort to align leadership roles with the company’s strategic priorities. Chapman has expressed confidence in de Masi’s ability to lead IonQ through its next phase of development, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum as the quantum computing industry continues to evolve.
In his new role, Chapman will work closely with de Masi to ensure that IonQ remains at the forefront of innovation in quantum technologies. This collaboration is expected to further strengthen IonQ’s position as a leader in the field, building on its existing achievements and expanding its impact in the quantum era.
Niccolo de Masis Background in Physics and Public Company Leadership
Niccolo de Masi’s academic foundation in physics, with degrees from Cambridge University, has been instrumental in shaping his career trajectory and aligning with IonQ’s mission to advance quantum computing technologies. His deep understanding of theoretical and applied physics provides a unique perspective as he leads IonQ into new phases of innovation. This background not only informs his strategic decisions but also underscores the technical rigor required to develop cutting-edge quantum systems.
De Masi’s experience in leading public companies, including roles at Monstermob Group, Resideo Technologies, Glu Mobile, and dMY Squared Technology Group, has equipped him with a broad skill set that spans finance, operations, and technology. His ability to navigate complex organizational structures and drive growth has been critical in his previous roles and is expected to be equally valuable as he oversees IonQ’s expansion. His tenure on IonQ’s board since 2021 has already demonstrated his capacity to contribute strategically to the company’s development, particularly during its IPO through a SPAC merger in 2021.
As CEO, de Masi will leverage his leadership experience and technical expertise to guide IonQ’s continued progress. His focus on building upon the company’s current achievements, such as its IonQ Forte and IonQ Forte Enterprise systems featuring 36 algorithmic qubits, reflects a commitment to maintaining technological leadership in quantum computing.
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