Jon Williams
Defense & Strategic Operations Advisor
Jon Williams is a defense operator, executive, and founder of Weapons Aerospace & Research Inc. (WAR Inc.), bringing experience across combat operations, defense procurement, advanced manufacturing, and allied mission support. As a Defense & Strategic Operations Advisor at Black Star Syndicate, he strengthens the firm’s capabilities across defense, aerospace, and global security initiatives.
Jon retired in 2013 as a Combat Marine after deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, serving in roles that included Marksmanship and CQB Instructor, K9 Handler and Trainer, Amphibious Raider, PSD VC, and SOC Platoon Leader. His military career established a foundation in leadership, operational execution, and decision-making in complex and contested environments.
Following his service, Jon spent nearly 11 years in the defense industry as Director of Business Development at Stonehold, where he led large-scale defense material procurement efforts, executed multimillion-dollar transactions, and managed extensive national and international partner networks. He built and maintained both B2B and B2C relationships while driving measurable revenue growth and operational outcomes.
Jon also worked with Microsoft and its portfolio of companies, including Xbox, Bing, Mixer, Microsoft Stores, and 343 Industries, gaining exposure to large-scale technology ecosystems, cross-functional leadership, and global enterprise operations.
In parallel, Jon held executive leadership roles in motorsports, including CEO positions with Formula Drift P1 and the American Rally Association, reinforcing his ability to lead high-performance organizations in competitive, time-sensitive environments.
Jon is the founder of Weapons Aerospace & Research Inc. (WAR Inc.), where he operates globally across defense manufacturing, RDT&E, and mission-driven innovation. Through WAR Inc., he works directly in Ukraine and engages with partners and programs aligned with INDOPACOM, AFRICOM, and EU and NATO stakeholders in support of U.S. and allied interests.
Black Star Syndicate and WAR Inc. operate in close alignment, combining Black Star’s go-to-market strategy, partnership architecture, and execution infrastructure with WAR Inc.’s operational access, technical depth, and presence in active and emerging theaters. This partnership enables both organizations to accelerate defense innovation, support allied programs, and bridge the gap between capability development and real-world deployment.
At Black Star, Jon brings a rare combination of frontline experience, commercial execution, and global defense perspective; strengthening the firm’s ability to operate at the intersection of strategy, operations, and mission-critical outcomes.
