IonQ , a leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, announced on July 28, 2025, the appointment of Dr. Marco Pistoia as Senior Vice President of Industry Relations. With a distinguished career at IBM Research and JPMorganChase, Pistoia brings extensive expertise in quantum computing, cryptography, and AI to advance IonQ’s strategic partnerships and advocacy efforts in the quantum sector.
IonQ appoints Dr. Marco Pistoia as SVP of Industry Relations on July 28, 2025.
Pistoia, formerly of IBM and JPMorganChase, holds 647 patents, including 100 in quantum technologies.
Led JPMorganChase’s advanced quantum program, developing algorithms for finance and security.
Pioneered quantum cryptography, including an 800 Gbps QKD link over 100 kilometers.
Will focus on strategic partnerships and quantum-safe encryption adoption.
IonQ aims to deliver 2 million qubit quantum computers by 2030.
Dr. Marco Pistoia, a renowned IBM inventor and former Global Head of Applied Research and Quantum Computing at JPMorganChase, joins IonQ to spearhead industry relations. “Marco has long been one of the most influential figures in applied quantum computing and quantum networking,” said Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ. “His leadership in building the most advanced quantum program in the financial sector, and his track record of pioneering work in quantum cryptography, AI, quantum algorithms, and quantum key distribution (QKD) makes him an ideal fit for IonQ’s mission.” Pistoia’s role will focus on fostering strategic partnerships, collaborations, and advocacy to strengthen IonQ’s position in quantum computing and networking.
At JPMorganChase, Pistoia led the financial industry’s most advanced quantum program, developing novel algorithms for optimization, Monte Carlo integration, fraud detection, and AI applications. His team achieved the first experimental certification of quantum-generated randomness, enhancing security and privacy for end users. Additionally, he pioneered a world-record 800 Gbps QKD-secured link over 100 kilometers, enabling JPMorganChase to deploy a blockchain application for payments. “IonQ is a leading quantum technology company with a unique combination of world-class hardware, ground-breaking innovations, and advanced application performance,” said Pistoia. “I’m excited to join the team and contribute to a technology roadmap that prioritizes both scale and security in solving mission-critical problems.”
Prior to JPMorganChase, Pistoia spent over two decades at IBM Research as Senior Manager of Quantum Algorithms and Applications, earning titles of Distinguished Research Staff Member and Master Inventor. He holds 647 patents, including 100 in quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum-inspired AI/ML algorithms, and has authored 10 books and over 200 scientific articles published in prestigious journals like Nature and Science Advances. Pistoia earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics from New York University and BS and MS degrees from the University of Rome Tor Vergata.
Pistoia’s appointment aligns with IonQ’s mission to deliver quantum computers with 2 million qubits by 2030, targeting applications in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. His expertise in quantum-safe cryptography addresses the looming risk quantum computers pose to traditional encryption. “There is a huge risk that quantum poses against cryptography, so we need the entire world to transition to quantum-safe cryptography,” Pistoia said, emphasizing the urgency of adopting secure systems as commercially viable quantum computers approach within two to three years.
IonQ’s strategic hire of Marco Pistoia reinforces its leadership in the quantum computing industry, which has seen its stock surge over 425% in the past year, reaching a market capitalization of $12.23 billion. With partnerships like Amazon Web Services, AstraZeneca, and NVIDIA, and recent moves like the acquisition of Capella Space Corporation, IonQ is poised to accelerate the quantum revolution, making quantum computing more accessible and impactful across industries.
IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, delivering high-performance systems aimed at solving the world’s most complex problems. IonQ’s current generation quantum computers, IonQ Forte and IonQ Forte Enterprise, are the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners such as Amazon Web Services, AstraZeneca, and NVIDIA achieve 20x performance results.
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