Air Force Lieutenant General Dave Julazadeh

A retired United States Air Force Lieutenant General, Dave Julazadeh serves as Chief Operating Officer of Business Executives for National Security (BENS), where he works at the intersection of national security and industry to help connect business leadership to real-world challenges and drive meaningful outcomes.

Over a 34-year career, General Julazadeh held senior leadership positions across the joint force and NATO, with extensive experience in multinational operations, strategy, and capability development. Most recently, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Capability Development at NATO Allied Command Transformation, where he led efforts to shape the Alliance’s future force, including development of NATO’s Multi-Domain Operations Concept and launching NATO’s first Space Symposium.

General Julazadeh has also served in key leadership roles at U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command, as well as senior positions on the Air Staff, Joint Staff, and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. His experience spans operational aviation, strategic planning, and advising senior civilian and military leaders on complex global security challenges.

Widely recognized for his ability to translate strategy into execution, General Julazadeh has led large, complex organizations and built consensus across diverse teams and international partners in high-stakes environments.

General Julazadeh holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kansas and Master of Science degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Air War College.