Fortune 100 Executive
Former Principal Deputy & Assistant Secretary of Defense, Public Affairs
Brigadier General, Retired, Texas Military Department
I advise CEOs and leadership teams in scaling aerospace and defense organizations as they navigate growth, acquisition integration, strategic planning, organizational change, and consequential business decisions.
My approach is grounded in practical experience, not a generic consulting model. Drawing on decades of leadership across corporate C-suites, the Department of Defense, military service and advisory roles, I bring independent perspective, disciplined challenge and pattern recognition to help leadership teams make stronger decisions and work more effectively together.
I work directly with leaders to establish priorities, improve decision-making, strengthen accountability and translate strategic intent into coordinated action. I also selectively advise mission-driven organizations serving veterans and the national-security community.
Robert Hastings & Associates expertise is framed by the intersection of business strategy, marketing, communications and government affairs. The consultancy brings clients a broad range of highly scalable capabilities with a particular strength in developing and executing strategies and campaigns that help businesses achieve strategic alignment, shape information environments, and drive performance and value. With experience gained in leadership roles at the highest levels of the Pentagon, Fortune 100 aerospace and defense companies, and national boards of directors, Robert offers clients keen insights into C-Suite strategies and functions.
Robert’s strongest fit is with aerospace and defense organizations whose growth, ambitions, or responsibilities are beginning to outpace their existing leadership systems.
These organizations may not need - or want - a large consulting team. They need an experienced advisor who can work directly with the CEO and leadership team, see the whole enterprise, and help turn strategic intent into aligned action.
Strategy is not clear enough
The organization has ambitions and opportunities, but leaders do not share a sufficiently clear set of priorities, choices, and measures of success.
The leadership team is not fully aligned
Functional leaders are capable, but decisions, messages, accountabilities, and operating rhythms do not reinforce one another.
Growth is outpacing the organization
Acquisitions, new markets, new customers, or rapid hiring are increasing complexity faster than the leadership system can absorb it.
Execution is inconsistent
The organization has a plan, but priorities are not translated into decisions, ownership, operating cadence, and measurable progress.
Leaders need to grow with the enterprise
Executives and high-potential leaders need stronger strategic judgment, communication, collaboration, and enterprise leadership skills.
Bob Hastings brought a steady hand and solid leadership to the often chaotic world of public affairs, making a real impact both inside the Pentagon and across the globe.
Gordon England
Deputy Secretary of DefenseHastings is by far one of the best comms guys I have ever known, and a highly effective chief of staff. His advice and counsel was critical to the company’s success.
John Garrison
CEO, Terex Inc, and Bell HelicopterBob Hastings is among the most successful communications pro’s I have ever worked with. His rebranding of BAE Systems as a US defense company directly contributed to significant business growth. Bob is widely respected for his character, leadership and professionalism.
Walt Havenstein
CEO, BAE Systems Inc. and SAICBob is uniquely skilled in marketing, communications and government affairs – one of the best in the business. In the years Bob served on our executive team we all came to value and trust his sound counsel and guidance.
Mitch Snyder
CEO, Bell“Robert has been an indispensable advisor to AeroMed Group and to me personally. He contributes across the full range of leadership challenges, from strategy development and executive coaching to building organizational alignment, strengthening trust and driving execution excellence. His experience, judgment and ability to help a leadership team turn ambition into action have made him an invaluable part of our growth.”
Bob Spence
CEO, Aeromed Group